Tottenham, Spurs, Daniel Levy, Antonio Conte, Premier League
Tottenham made a late January attempt to sign young Southampton defender Thierry Small before his loan move to St. Mirren.
The Lowdown: Spurs youth recruitment…
Spurs have arguably been known for their high profile youth recruitments in recent years, evidenced by the signings of Destiny Udogie and Bryan Gil in the last two years.
The Lilywhites also completed a deadline day deal to sign highly-rated starlet striker Jude Soonsup-Bell from Premier League rivals Chelsea, with chairman Daniel Levy continuing to bolster the club’s academy ranks.
As per a report from January, it appears they also tried to bring in Saints youngster Small.
The Latest: Tottenham made Small ‘bid’…
According to Football Insider, the north Londoners attempted to strike a move for the defender before his temporary switch to the SPFL.
It is believed that Spurs lodged a ‘bid’ near the end of the winter transfer window as they attempted a move for Small who was, at the time, considering multiple offers.
Southampton apparently ‘signalled’ they were letting to let him go on a permanent deal to interested buyers but Tottenham didn’t offer enough to convince the south coast side to sell up.
The Verdict: Shame…
Small would have came as another brilliant youthful addition at N17 alongside Soonsup-Bell.
The 18-year-old primarily operates as a left-back but can play both as a wing-back and on the left-side of a three man defence – arguably making him ideal for a system like Antonio Conte’s.
Small has also been called an ‘exciting‘ prospect by members of the media upon his arrival at Southampton and it speaks volumes that the club signed him for £5 million from Everton.
The England Under-19 international also once became the Toffees’ youngest ever player to make a senior debut at 16, appearing in an FA Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday in 2021.
Homegrown and seemingly quite promising, perhaps Spurs could make another move for him this summer.
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