Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly set to battle it out for the signature of Everton starlet Thierry Small.
The 16-year-old is one of the most-promising talents in the Premier League youth ranks and has caught the attention of the Toffees’ rivals.
So much so that United and Arsenal are now both keen on trying to convince the teenager to turn his back on Goodison Park in favour of a transfer this summer.
As Small is yet to turn 17 he has not signed professional terms and is free to leave when his scholarship ends next season but could even move before that time.
(Image: Getty Images)
According to The Metro , Leeds, Brighton and Brentford are all also keeping tabs on the left-back with a view to muscling in ahead of United and Arsenal.
The trio of clubs could also hold a significant advantage in the race as Small has made clear his frustrations at his lack of first-team appearances at Everton.
He has appeared just once for the senior side so far in his career, becoming the club’s youngest-ever player when he made his debut in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday in January.
Everton will try to tie Small down to the club after his next birthday in August, while potential suitors would have to stump up around £1million to land him this summer.
(Image: PA)
That would be a small price to pay for a player of his quality, as Everton have high hopes for Small going forward and no plans to let him go easily.
Everton’s under-23 boss David Unsworth said earlier this year: “The one thing that we can give Thierry is a clear pathway.
“There’s always a clear pathway at Everton for all the youngsters so he’s in no better place to have a career as a Premier League footballer.”
