Everton teenager Thierry Small has been urged to be patient by Danny Mills following reported interest from Leeds United.

The 16-year-old is one of the most exciting young players in the pipeline at Goodison Park, making his first team debut in the FA Cup back in January and becoming the youngest player in the club's history.

It is claimed that Small is unhappy with his potential pathway into the first team at Everton, though, leading to speculation surrounding his future. Leeds are believed to be one of the clubs eyeing up a move for him, with Manchester United and Arsenal also among the potential suitors, per Daily Express.

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Mills offers Small advice amid Leeds interest

Speaking to Football Insider, former Whites defender Mills told Small to be patient over his future, seemingly putting him off a move to Elland Road for the time being:

"Just be good enough, that’s the advice. You’re 16, you’re not realistically going to get into the first team until you’re 18, 19 at the earliest.

"Learn your trade, get better at your trade. That’s the advice I’d be giving him. Work on your weaknesses, work on your positioning.

"Also, you need experience. In a year’s time or two year’s time, go out on loan. Go to some French second division side or some Dutch second division side to get some game time.

"Learn where it’s easier to get away with making mistakes. Learning at the highest level in the Championship or Premier League is hard because when you make a mistake you get slaughtered. The pressure’s on from your teammates, from your fans, from your manager and the coaches. My advice would be go and learn and get the experience away from the limelight.

"Then come back to it. It’s very difficult to put this into young players but don’t rush things. There are very few players who are top players at 19-years-old."

Transfer Tavern take

It is always exciting to see Leeds linked with top English talent, so the hope is that they can eventually persuade Small to join the Marcelo Bielsa revolution.

Everton are no doubt keen to keep hold of the left-back, however, possibly seeing him as a long-term replacement for Lucas Digne.

Leeds have Leif Davis as a future option in that role, which could be a possible stumbling block when it comes to signing Small.

In other news, another English club are reportedly keeping an eye on one Leeds player - find out who it is here.