Derby County wants Charlton Athletic’s top star.
Thierry Small is reported to be of interest to the Rams, who may provide him Championship football next season.
Derby County has expressed an interest in Thierry Small.
The 19-year-old left-back might be a viable replacement for Craig Forsyth, but financial constraints could stymie a prospective transfer.
Small has a three-year contract at The Valley, with the Addicks having the option to extend it for another year.
According to Football Insider, Derby County are interested in signing Charlton Athletic full-back Thierry Small.
Southampton released the teenage defender earlier this year, and he joined the Addicks on a short-term contract immediately after.
Small has made 14 appearances between his arrival and the end of the season, allowing him to get crucial game experience in the second half of the season.
Fortunately for Nathan Jones’ side, they have the option of extending the 19-year-old’s stay at The Valley for another year, which they may exercise before his current contract expires this summer.
If the player fails to sign a lengthier contract, they may be forced to pursue this option in order to prevent losing him to an EFL opponent, with Derby said to be interested in the youngster.
He may potentially replace Craig Forsyth, who signed a new contract last year but will see his current agreement expire this summer.
At 35, Forsyth won’t be at Pride Park indefinitely, and Small, who is only 19 and has lots of opportunity to improve, may be the seasoned defender’s replacement on the left side.
Update on Thierry Small’s Derby County interest
Derby will have to pay a cost to gain the player’s signature, with Football Insider stating that the Addicks are willing to exercise the player’s one-year extension option if he does not sign a longer-term contract.
However, how much Charlton may expect will depend on whether the extension option is exercised or whether he signs a longer contract instead.
Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder reveals a brace as Derby County suffers a disappointing defeat: View
The pair traded Pride Park for Bramall Lane during the 2020 transfer window.
If Small chooses the latter option, the Rams may be priced out of acquiring the former Saint.
The defender is expected to sign a three-year contract, although it is unclear whether he intends to continue in the English capital until the end of 2025.
Derby County’s pursuit of Thierry Small appears to prove unsuccessful.
David Clowes, the Rams’ owner, has made several outstanding signings since salvaging the team.
And Small may be a wonderful signing for Derby, who would profit greatly from having a long-term replacement for Forsyth.
However, the Rams are unlikely to pay the fee that Charlton is going to want for Small.
Even if the Addicks just extend his contract, his age and potential make him a prized player in this window, and Jones’ side will not want to let him leave for a low amount.
This is why a deal for Small is improbable at this time, as Derby must also enhance other areas if they are to have a realistic chance of staying up and competing next season.
And Small signing a lengthier contract would most likely rule out this transfer entirely, since it would strengthen Charlton’s position even further.David Clowes, the Rams’ owner, has made several outstanding signings since salvaging the team.
And Small may be a wonderful signing for Derby, who would profit greatly from having a long-term replacement for Forsyth.
However, the Rams are unlikely to pay the fee that Charlton is going to want for Small.
Even if the Addicks just extend his contract, his age and potential make him a prized player in this window, and Jones’ side will not want to let him leave for a low amount.
This is why a deal for Small is improbable at this time, as Derby must also enhance other areas if they are to have a realistic chance of staying up and competing next season.
And Small signing a lengthier contract would most likely rule out this transfer entirely, since it would strengthen Charlton’s position even further.