SAINTS have reportedly made the first move in the pursuit of 17-year-old Everton wonderkid Thierry Small, who became the club’s youngest ever debutant last season.

The Solihull-born left-back is able to sign proffessional terms having turned 17 on August 1, and became the club’s youngest senior when handed an FA Cup debut by Carlo Ancelotti in January.

But Football Insider have reported that he has refused a deal at the Merseyside outfit, and that the Premier League have informed him he is free to discuss a contract with other clubs.

It is thought it could cost Saints a compensation fee of up to £5million, due to his immense potential and standing already.

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The report goes on to say that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are the first to make contact and ask what it would take to lure the promising youngster to St Mary’s.

Saints’ chief scout Martyn Glover knows all about the left-back’s potential after making his own move from Goodison two years ago.

Reports suggest European giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also queuing up, however Brexit rules for under-18 players mean a move within the Premier League is most likely.

Daily Echo: Everton's Thierry Small in FA Cup actionEverton's Thierry Small in FA Cup action

Saints handed a move to teenage right-back Tino Livramento – who then usurped stalwart Kyle Walker-Peters and started the opening-day Premier League clash against Everton after just 45 minutes of pre-season action.

With Thierry Small wanting to play first-team football, and there being only one senior left-back in the Saints squad by the name of Romain Perraud, the St Mary’s side could once again show their muscle of signing some of the more promising youngsters in the country.