Everton youngster Thierry Small is reported to be increasingly interested in joining Aston Villa this summer, as uncertainty over his future intensifies [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Dean Smith's men gear up for 2021/22

Moving towards 2021/22, Dean Smith will be looking for the perfect blend of youth and experience if he is to improve on his side's 11th placed finish last term.

Acquiring ready-made first-team starters will be crucial to this prospective success, however being able to spot the stars of the future will ensure long-term progression for the football club.

One man who could fit the bill for the latter is 16-year-old Small, who has put the cat amongst the pigeons following latest developments.

The Latest: Small 'very keen' on the idea of an Aston Villa switch

The Toffees youth product is said to be ‘very keen’ on a move to Villa Park this window, as reported by a Football Insider recruitment source.

Small is a boyhood Aston Villa fan, whilst his uncle Bryan Small was a player for the Premier League outfit between 1990 and 1996.

Notably, the wonderkid has strong connections with the Midlands and surrounding area, which is cited as one of his main motivations behind his interest in the prospective switch.

The Verdict: Small would be an astute piece of business by the Villa Park hierarchy

Capable of posing a considerable forward threat from the left-back position, Small would be an excellent signing for Villa who could develop into an established player in years to come.

In 2020/21, the Solihull-born man enjoyed a very profitable campaign featuring in different spells for Everton's youth sides.

Combined across senior and academy football, Small registered seven goal contributions in 30 appearances - six goals and one assist [Transfermarkt].

Unbelievably, the prospect became Everton’s youngest ever player to feature in a senior match, coming on as a record-breaking substitute in a 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday in January [Daily Mail].

Once labelled as ‘quality’ by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, Villa should look to secure Small’s signature before it is too late [Football London].

In other news, Aston Villa fans react to links with a Bundesliga ace.