RALPH Hasenhuttl has expressed his delight at the signing of young-left back Thierry Small, saying: “I am very pleased, especially when there were again a number of clubs who were interested.”

The 17-year-old defender moves to St Mary’s from Everton on a three-year deal, after having received his maiden England under-19 call-up in May.

The youngster is hotly tipped as one of the best prospects in the country, following becoming the Toffees' youngest ever senior player when handed an FA Cup debut back by Carlo Ancelotti back in May.

He joins Tino Livramento as another high-potential young full-back arriving at Saints with the hope of playing more first team football.

Manager Hasenhuttl reveals his thoughts on the coup, telling the club: “I am very pleased we have been able to bring in another talented young player, especially when there were again a number of clubs who were interested.

“I think our philosophy of how we develop these young players and give them their opportunities has been an important factor in this, and we are looking forward to working with Thierry and helping him make the most of his potential.

“We have already signed a player this summer with good experience at left-back in Romain Perraud, and Thierry’s arrival now gives us a very good balance and a strong additional option in that position, and this is encouraging that we now have this on both sides of our defence.”

After the exit of Ryan Bertrand much earlier in the summer, Saints have now added two left-backs to provide cover and potential to a position that was left weakened in the squad.

Small could go straight into the first team and even receive a debut before the international break, but Saints will not necessarily be in a rush to squeeze him in.

He may well feature for David Horseman's B team to gel with the playing style.