Tyler Dibling tipped for Southampton return amid Everton struggles
Tyler Dibling's Everton struggles have seen a return to Southampton mooted as a possibility.
The 20-year-old has featured 14 times for the Toffees, since his £42million move from the South Coast club last summer.
He has been unable to earn David Moyes' trust, with the Scotsman hinting that he needs to improve in training.
It is a surprise that he has not played more, given the amount that the Blues forked out for his signature, and they may give up on him already.
Everton will surely not want him to leave, but a new suggestion has been made about a potential exit.
Could Dibling return to Southampton after Everton flop
Dibling has been linked with an Everton exit, less than a year after he signed for the club, and a sensational scenario has been raised.
Andy Dunn, the Mirror's chief sports writer, revealed that he has a hunch that the winger ends up back at Southampton.
Speaking on the Royal Blue podcast, he said: “The more I hear, the more I understand why, that hasn’t worked out, why the player hasn’t settled.
“If he’s not settled, he’s not happy, then he [Moyes] is not going to play him.
“I just have a hunch, and it is no more than a hunch, but I wouldn’t be overly surprised to see him back at Southampton at some point.”
Why Dibing to Southampton could make sense
If the Blues could strike a loan deal with the Saints, with a loan fee included and perhaps even a buy option, then it may be a good move for everybody involved.
That is especially the case if Tonda Eckert's side are promoted to the Premier League, by winning the play-off final.
It would allow Dibling to discover his form in the top-flight, away from the pressure that comes with playing for the Toffees, in a place where he is familiar, and come back to Merseyside with more confidence.
| Dibling's stats at Everton | Premier League |
| Appearances | 14 |
| Goals/Assists | 0 |
| Total shots | 0.3 |
| Key passes | 0.3 |
| Cross accuracy | 14% |
| Dribble success | 48% |
However, that may be complicated by the South Coast club's involvement in the 'Spygate' scandal that threatens their playoff final qualification, with an independent commision set to decide their fate in the coming days.
If they are kicked out of the playoffs or do not win the final, and are not promoted, it makes no sense to send him to the Championship, as that will not benefit Moyes' side at all.
The L3 outfit need to make their mind up on whether his position is salvageable and he can play a part in their future, or whether they need to simply move him on for good.