Everton defender Thierry Small set to join Southampton
Everton youngster Thierry Small is set to turn down a contract at the club to join Southampton, according to Secret Scout.
The source behind this story has an established Twitter account with over 31,000 followers including The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Simon Johnson, The Telegraph’s Matt Law and Football London’s Adam Newson.
He was on the radar of other Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Leeds United and Brentford.
The 17-year-old left-back, who was widely regarded as one of the next big things for Everton, failed to report for pre-season training in a bid to force a move away from the club, and per The Athletic, cut ties with the club and cancelled his two-year scholarship.
However, Everton are still due for a compensation fee from Southampton or any other club that will be signing him this summer.
Massive blow
Having made his senior debut for us at 16, Small was tipped for big things on Merseyside.
As fans, we've got special affiliation towards players that graduate from the academy, and he was a player we've kept eyes on for a few years.
Small is a high-action full-back capable of running up and down the left flank for the entirety of the game, offering more on the offensive end than in the defensive third.
He could've been an understudy to Lucas Digne as early as next season if he was given first-team opportunities by Rafa Benitez in the coming months, but that will not be happening now.
It's disappointing in the manner he forced his exit from the club and it was extremely unprofessional of him to not show up for training.
Southampton aren't really an upgrade on Everton so we cannot quite understand his intent behind a move to St. Mary's either.
In other Everton news, Goodison View: Rafa Benitez must axe 'Brainless' Everton ace after woeful start to season