Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone in line for new deal ahead of a season-long loan move to Stoke
- Michael O’Neill poised to bolster his squad with the addition of Will Smallbone
- Smallbone has been subject of interest following a strong end to the season
- He has two years left on his deal but it is now expected to be extended
Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone is in line for a new contract ahead of a season-long loan move to Stoke.
Michael O’Neill is poised to bolster his squad with the addition of the 22 year-old ahead of the start of the Championship season next week. Stoke travel to Millwall in their opener on Saturday.
Smallbone has been subject of significant interest following a strong end to last term with his country and a positive pre-season with Southampton.
Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone is in line for a new contract ahead of a loan to Stoke
Smallbone scored three goals and racked up an assist in three appearances for Ireland’s under-21s last month, helping put him on the radar of a number of clubs.
Rotherham and Hull were also keen on Smallbone, along with sides abroad, though Stoke are on the verge of securing his signature.
Smallbone has two years left on his current Southampton deal which is expected to be extended before he heads to the Potters.
Academy product Smallbone made a scoring debut for Southampton in the FA Cup against Huddersfield in January 2020 and showed further signs of promise before his progress was halted a year later when he suffered a serious knee injury.
He returned last October and made a handful of appearances but is now set for a move to Stoke which will give him the chance to play more regularly after a disrupted 18 months.
Michael O’Neill is poised to bolster his squad with the addition of the 22 year-old midfielder
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