Report: Patrick Vieira rivalling Southampton and Leeds for ‘fantastic’ teenager

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Crystal Palace, Southampton and Leeds United want to bring Dundee United defender Kerr Smith to the Premier League this summer, according to the Daily Record.

Patrick Vieira, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Marcelo Bielsa are each monitoring the rising star of the Tangerines’ academy. He has so far remained at Tannadice Park, despite strong interest since the turn of the year.

Southampton, alongside Leicester City, sent scouts to observe Smith in May, having tracked his progress for months, per The Sun. But a move to Aston Villa was more likely, as Dean Smith’s side were willing to pay £500,000 plus add-ons.

Leicester opted against stepping up their interest over the following few months, with The Courier noting in July that the Foxes never submitted an offer. Smith is available for £500k due to a release clause in his contract, signed after a trial with Manchester United.

Everton and Aston Villa also hosted the 16-year-old at their training grounds before he put pen to paper. Smith believed playing first-team games under Tam Courts would be better for his development, too, than a move down south.

Smith made five appearances under Micky Mellon during the 2020/21 campaign before Courts took charge at Tannadice Park in June. He already has two outings under the 39-year-old in the Scottish League Cup this season, as well.

Southampton or Leeds can sign ‘fantastic’ Smith from Dundee United

With Leicester, Everton and Aston Villa seemingly no longer in the race for Smith, Leeds, Crystal Palace or Southampton may be free to fight between themselves for the Dundee United talent. Especially with him available for a potential bargain fee of £500,000.

Smith may be unproven in the senior game, but is highly regarded north of the border. Terrors teammate Mark Connolly called Smith ‘fantastic’ in April, via The Courier. He added: “Kerr signed a new deal here and it’s fantastic.

“He could have gone elsewhere, but he’s chosen to stay here and that’s fantastic. He’s training with us every day, doesn’t look out of place and all I can do is help him as much as I can.”