Bolton Wanderers are desperate to keep Connell despite interest from Premier League duo Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Southampton have failed in a bid to sign the coveted Bolton Wanderers youngster Luca Connell, according to The Sun (live blog, 9.48am).
The 17-year-old has only made one Championship appearance for The Trotters and that came earlier this month. But, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, there are plenty of Premier League sides sniffing around.
The Sun believes that Tottenham Hotspur, a club always on the lookout for young talent, are interested, while Burnley are also in the race.
But reports on deadline day are claiming that both Southampton and Brighton have made official bids for Connell – both of which have been rejected.
Southampton have offered Bolton far more than they are due to get in a compensation fee for the teenage left-back when his contract expires but have failed to tempt the cash-strapped Wanderers into a sale.
Bolton News, meanwhile, claims that Brighton have also seen a bid turned down with Bolton manager Phil Parkinson making it clear that he wants Connell to stay at all costs.
“He will be here at the end of the week. He’s a great player and we are looking forward to seeing him here for a long time to come, hopefully,” Parkinson told the Bolton News.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
