Derby County want to sign Charlton Athletic’s former Everton star Thierry Small this summer but a new three-year deal is already on the table at The Valley, sources told Football Insider.
Small, 19, is the subject of transfer interest for the Rams, who are looking to improve ahead of their return to the Championship.
Sources stated that the Addicks will trigger their option to extend Small’s current deal while he weighs up his options.
The left-back joined Charlton from Southampton for free in January, making 14 starts for the League One club this season.
Derby County want to sign Thierry Small from Charlton
It appears Small will have a choice to make, but with no official bid arriving yet, Charlton’s offer remains the only one on the table as things stand.
Opting to trigger his extension strengthens the club’s bargaining position and would allow them to make more money from any deal.
Just six months after joining the club for free, Charlton could make some instant profit on the 19-year-old should he opt to leave The Valley.
However, he remains an important part of their lofty plans for the future under owner Charlie Methven.
The offer of a three-year deal at The Valley may prove tempting for the defender to settle and grow without the constant moving he has experienced in recent years.
Small was once regarded as hot property, with Football Insider reporting interest from Tottenham last summer, while Rangers were also given the chance to make a move.
A transfer to the Championship could allow his stock to grow in a higher division as he tries to find his way back to a Premier League side.
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