Leeds United appear to be extremely keen on Everton teenager Thierry Small, who could be yet another young talent to develop under Marcelo Bielsa and Mark Jackson at Elland Road.

The 16-year-old, considered the best left-back in the country for his age, is willing to snub a three-year professional deal on Merseyside, according to the Daily Express.

Leeds ready to offer pathway to first-team football

The report claims that Small is prioritising a breakthrough in first-team football and is even ready to turn down interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.

Leeds, who appear to be after a new first-choice left-back this summer, are one of three sides ‘prepared to offer him a direct pathway straight into the first-team set-up’, 12 words that could prove pretty crucial considering the difficulty he may have breaking into sides that have Lucas Digne, Kieran Tierney and Luke Shaw all in top form.

Small has ‘frightening potential’ but has made just one senior appearance for the Toffees.

Transfer Tavern take

Bielsa has been extremely picky during his tenure at Elland Road in regards to handing several Whites youngsters regular game time.

The club’s current Under-23 side are sitting pretty at the top of Premier League 2 Division 2, with the likes of Cody Drameh, Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood all starring under Mark Jackson.

None of the three mentioned have made a senior appearance for Leeds to date, so Small may have to be relatively patient in regards to a first-team opportunity, something he doesn't appear keen on.

It seems as if the club like what they see in Small, though, so it could be a deal to keep a close eye on over the coming months.

In other news: Leeds linked with move for £4,400-a-week attacker, find out more here.