Southampton are reportedly confident in signing Everton defender Thierry Small, who has been chased by multiple clubs this summer.
According to the Athletic, the Saints have beaten the likes of Aston Villa, Leeds United and two-time UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea to Small.
The left-back recently cut ties with Everton after cancelling his scholarship with the club.
However, as per the report, one stumbling block remains for Southampton in the form of a compensation fee.
Despite Small not having any ties to Everton, the Merseyside club are still entitled to some financial package for their former academy player.
Small is the youngest player ever to play for Everton in a competitive fixture when the fullback came on for the club in their FA Cup fourth-round fixture against Sheffield Wednesday.
However, the Solihull-born talent has decided to leave Everton over a lack of guaranteed first-team football.
Small is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in England. And Southampton appear ready to offer the teenager minutes at a senior level.
Indeed, Ralph Hasenhuttl has already handed two Premier League starts to 18-year-old summer signing Tino Livramento. The teenager joined the Saints from Chelsea for the same reason why Small left Everton.
Southampton are well-known for their dedication to nurturing youth players. And Small appears to be eager to become the latest name to join the club and to develop his game for the south coast side under Hasenhuttl.
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