SIXTEEN-year-old Saints starlet Tyler Dibling is a transfer target for Newcastle United after his stellar breakout season.

The young forward caught the Magpies’ eye with a hattrick at St James’ Park while playing for the B team at under-23 level, despite being just 16.

Dibling impressed Saints enough to earn a place on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s bench for the Premier League trip to Brentford, towards the end of last campaign.

He is an England youth international and has scored goals for his country, as well as at Under-18 Premier League and Premier League 2 level.

Dibling helped guide the under-18 side to the South title and National final at St Mary’s, which was eventually won by Manchester City.

Newcastle have been tracking the talented youngster - who is also a boyhood Saints fan - with a view to improve their youth setup as well as first team.

Under new ownership, Eddie Howe’s Magpies have already bolstered their starting side for the senior outfit – but are flushed with cash and can begin to target the youth groups.

Football Insider report weekly wages of up to £6,500 for an unnamed Saints 16-year-old, in a move to Newcastle.

Daily Echo: Tyler Dibling was recorded as scoring eight goals across under-18 and under-23 competition last season (Pic: Stuart Martin)Tyler Dibling was recorded as scoring eight goals across under-18 and under-23 competition last season (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Over the course of a three-year deal, that adds up to around £1million. It is silly money that Saints cannot even begin to compete with for that age group.

If Saints do lose Dibling to Newcastle, it would be a blow for what is a supremely promising under-18 group under Carl Martin and Mikey Harris.

A professional contract can be agreed but not ratified by the FA until a player turns 17-years-old, initially signing on scholarship terms.

Dibling will not turn 17-years-old until March 2023, but could join Newcastle on initial scholarship terms before going professional on his birthday.

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