Leeds United target Thierry Small set to join Southampton

Leeds United are reportedly set to lose out on signing young full-back Thierry Small as Southampton are expected to make an official announcement on Tuesday.

According to Secret Scout, the 17-year-old who made his Everton senior debut in January, was on the radar of the Whites along with fellow Premier League clubs Southampton, Brentford, Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

The source that broke this story has an established Twitter account with over 31,000 followers including The Athletic's David Ornstein and Simon Johnson, The Telegraph's Matt Law and Football London's Adam Newson.

Per The Athletic, Small cut ties with Everton after making the decision to cancel his two-year scholarship early.

However, the Toffees will still be in line for compensation from the club eventually ends up signing for.

Missed opportunity?

We're usually on the heels of the up and coming talent at Premier League clubs so it will be a huge blow for us to miss out on the player's signature.

Having made his debut for Everton at 16, one could see the talent he possesses and within a couple of years, he could have been ready to challenge for a first-team berth for us.

Small is an energetic and attack-minded left-back known the put in the hard yards.

Just like how Marcelo Bielsa likes his full-backs to play as auxiliary wingers, Small is usually found in similar positions while playing for the Under-23s at Everton.

However, one red flag is the 17-year-old's professionalism and it may have worked out for the best.

He's been looking to force a move away from Goodison Park for a few months now and per The Liverpool Echo, he even refused to return to pre-season training in a bid to leave the club.

It remains to be seen whether we go on to regret this in the coming years.

In other Leeds United news, MOT View: Leeds loan star scores absolute screamer, fans will be blown away by long-range strike