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Leeds have a key advantage over rivals in pursuit of the next Alphonso Davies – TBR View
Leeds United have been linked with Everton academy star Thierry Small, and the Whites could well have an advantage over their rivals in pursuit of the talented left-back.
According to , Small – who has been compared to Alphonso Davies – is considering his future at Goodison Park, and Leeds are one of the teams keeping tabs on the situation.
The Everton gem has been making a name for himself in recent months with some superb displays for David Unsworth’s youth side as well as a history-making senior debut.
Small became Everton’s youngest ever player in January this year when he came on as a sub in the Blues’ FA Cup fourth-round victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park.
However, the 16-year-old is reportedly reluctant to commit his long-term future to the Toffees due to the lack of opportunities since his debut.
Lucas Digne and Niels Nkounkou are currently ahead of Small in the pecking order, and Carlo Ancelotti has sometimes changed shape and deployed Alex Iwobi and Ben Godfrey as cover too.
Therefore, Small is understood to be prioritising his breakthrough in the men’s game, and as well as Leeds, the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal are said to be interested.
However – and this is where Leeds hold a key advantage – he is reportedly so eager for first-team football that a marquee move to the likes of Old Trafford or the Emirates is unlikely to tempt him.
report adds that Leeds, Brighton and Brentford are all prepared to offer Small a direct pathway straight into the first-team setup.
Marcelo Bielsa has given opportunities to plenty of Thorp Arch stars since arriving at Elland Road, so Small is likely to get a first-team chance sooner rather than later, and Leeds’ style of play would certainly suit an attacking player like Small.
Add to that the prestige of playing for a team rich in history like Leeds and a passionate fanbase that’s a joy to play for and in front of, and really it looks like a no-brainer.
Given Small hasn’t penned a professional deal yet at Everton, he could reportedly be available for a mere £1million – a fee which would go down as a bargain if he fulfils the potential he’s shown so far.