Sources: Southampton make move for Everton wonderkid Small as potential price revealed
Southampton have made the first move for Everton wonderkid Thierry Small after making contact over a deal, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.
This site broke the news yesterday that the Premier League have informed the 17-year-old he is free to speak to new clubs after rejecting a professional deal from the Merseysiders.
An Everton source has told Football Insider that Southampton have been the first club to discuss what it would take to lure Small from Goodison Park this month.
It is likely to cost a compensation fee of up to £5million for Small , who has been able to sign pro terms since turning 17 on 1st August.
This is due to his immense potential, which saw him become Everton's youngest-ever player when he was handed his first-team debut by Carlo Ancelotti in January.
Southampton chief scout Martyn Glover knows all about the left-back's potential after making his own move from Goodison two years ago.
Elite teams are queuing up for the youngster with his suitors including Man United, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich among others.
New Brexit rules for British players under the age of 18 mean a move to another Premier League club is the most likely.
Everton have tabled a contract offer that they believe is very generous, but which Small has rejected.
The teenager is believed to be keen to join a side where he can play first-team football straight away.
Southampton have a left-back vacancy following the departure of Ryan Bertrand to Leicester City earlier in the summer.
The Saints signed another top young full-back earlier this month when Tino Livramento, 18, was lured from Chelsea for £5m.