Derby County targeting Charlton Athletic star | OneFootball

Highlights

The young defender was released by Southampton earlier this year - and joined the Addicks on a short-term deal shortly after that.

Making 14 appearances between the time of his arrival and the end of this season, Small has been able to get some valuable game time under his belt during the second half of this campaign.

Thankfully for Nathan Jones' side, they have the option to extend the 19-year-old's stay at The Valley by a further year and this is an option they can take up before his existing deal comes to an end this summer.

If the player fails to put pen to paper on a longer deal, this is an option they may have to take up to avoid losing him to an EFL rival, with Derby thought to be keen on the teenager.

He could potentially come in as a replacement for Craig Forsyth, who signed a new contract last year but sees his current deal coming to an end this summer.

At 35, Forsyth won't be at Pride Park forever and Small, who is only 19 at this stage and has plenty of room to grow, could be the experienced defender's successor on the left-hand side.

Update on Thierry Small amid Derby County interest

Derby will need to fork out a fee to secure the player's signature, with Football Insider reporting that the Addicks are prepared to trigger the one-year extension option on the player's deal if he doesn't put pen to paper on a longer-term contract.

However, how much Charlton are able to demand may depend on whether the extension option is triggered or whether he signs a longer deal instead.

If Small opts for the latter option, that could easily price the Rams out of a move for the former Saint.

A three-year deal is thought to be on the table for the defender, but it remains to be seen whether he is keen to extend his stay in the English capital beyond the end of 2025.

A deal for Thierry Small seems to be out of reach for Derby County

Owner David Clowes has made some brilliant additions since saving the Rams.

And Small could be an excellent signing for Derby, who could richly benefit from having a long-term successor for Forsyth.

However, it would be difficult to see the Rams forking out the amount that Charlton are likely to demand for Small.

Even if the Addicks only trigger his extension, his age and potential make him a valuable player during this window and Jones' side won't want to get him go for a nominal fee.

This is why a deal for Small seems unlikely at this point, with Derby also needing to strengthen other areas if they are to give themselves a real chance of staying up and being competitive next season.

And Small signing a longer deal would probably rule out this move altogether, because it would put Charlton in an even stronger position.