Ex Everton star at centre of Charlton Athletic and Derby County transfer debacle

Charlton Athletic has offered the former Everton player a new deal, as Derby County expresses interest.

Thierry Small, an ex-Everton junior star, might be at the core of a trade saga involving Charlton Athletic and Derby County.

The full-back signed a short-term contract with the Addicks in February and has excelled in his brief stint in London. Small made 14 appearances for Nathan Jones’ team, which survived the League One relegation zone in style.

Charlton Athletic has the option to extend Small’s contract for another year, and Jones has already stated his admiration for the player.

The Welshman remarked, “We will not get rid of talented players. We will safeguard good players; if Thierry comes into that category, he will be looked after.

“I’ve been quite satisfied. Obviously, I know Thierry from Southampton. He had a difficult time as a teenager after making a large money move to Southampton.

“Sometimes you hit a plateau before you can continue. We hope that’s it for Thierry. He’s a lovely kid and a fantastic athlete. He needs some polishing around the edges, as do most youngsters.

“We must respect that he is still very young. But I’ve been quite impressed with him. Thierry is one of maybe 20 athletes that have just given me everything and opened up their minds.”

Small expressed his desire to continue at the club, stating that he could “100%” see himself playing football at The Valley next season. However, Football Insider believes that Derby County is interested in signing the 19-year-old ahead of their return to the Championship.

If Small had left Charlton when his short-term contract expired, he would have been free to move. However, in their release list, the club acknowledged not only the opportunity to add an extra year, but also that the player had been offered a long-term deal.

According to Football Insider, Charlton has yet to receive an official bid from Derby County, and the terms of Small’s contract extension remain unknown.