Preston North End, Leyton Orient & Blackburn Rovers in transfer battle for Charlton Athletic player | OneFootball

On the eve of their play-off final clash with Orient, Charlton face transfer rumours regarding a first-team player

Charlton Athletic wing-back Thierry Small is in-demand once more as his contract gets set to expire this summer, with Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and the Addicks' League One play-off final opponents Leyton Orient all keen on the speedy youngster.

Nathan Jones' side will take on Richie Wellens' O's later on on Sunday as they both battle to become a Championship club ahead of the 2025-26 season.

However, there could be another battle to be won off the pitch in weeks to come between the two clubs, although there is no lack of interest in Small's services.

Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and Leyton Orient in Thierry Small transfer chase

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Charlton's left-footed dynamo Small is the subject of fresh interest, with the 20-year-old's contract at The Valley set to expire at the end of June.

Preston North End have held an interest in ex-Everton academy man Small since January, with it being reported at the time by Nixon that CEO Peter Ridsdale had been to watch him in action for Charlton, and now the Lilywhites are back and looking to take advantage of his contract situation this summer - although due to his age, a deal will require compensation to be paid.

Also joining PNE in the race are Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers, although they have less of a need for Small on the right-hand side of their line-up, with Callum Brittain close to agreeing a new deal at Ewood Park.

Interestingly though, a new club has entered the running in the form of Leyton Orient, who will take on Charlton on Sunday afternoon for a spot in English football's second tier.

It is PNE and Paul Heckingbottomn though that are the keenest to secure a deal for Small, who has been tracked long-term and could depart Charlton even if they are promoted.

How Thierry Small has fared in the 2024-25 season for Charlton Athletic

It has taken a while for Small to blossom following his emergence as a teenager, having made the move from Everton to Southampton in 2021 - that deal needed to go to tribunal due to the fact that the Toffees wanted £5 million for his services and the Saints refused to pay it.

Small went on a few stop-start loan stints away from St Mary's, but since Nathan Jones picked him up off the scrap-heap in early 2024, he has thrived, and despite being a natural left-sider, the 20-year-old has operated on the opposite side of the pitch in 2024-25.

Either utilised at wing-back or further up the pitch as a right-winger, Small has played 41 times in League One this season prior to the play-off final, scoring twice and assisting a further three goals - a Wembley appearance though against interested party Orient could be his last in Charlton colours though.