An update has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur and one transfer that they have failed to get over the line on deadline day for the January transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to The Athletic, Spurs were eyeing up a possible deal to sign left-back Thierry Small on a permanent basis from their Premier League rivals Southampton.

The report claims that Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte were unable to secure a move for the young defender as they could not agree a fee or personal terms with the club or the player.

It is stated that the teenage full-back is now due to go out on loan to St Mirren in Scotland before making a decision on his long-term future in the summer.

Ivan Perisic heir

Conte may have just missed out on a deal for the eventual heir to Ivan Perisic's position in the team as the left-sided wing-back in the Italian coach's system.

The Croatia international has played 21 matches in the Premier League this season and has caught the eye with his dynamic, attacking, performances down the flank - averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.90 and assisting five goals from full-back.

However, the ex-Inter dynamo turns 34 next month and may not be a long-term option for Conte in that position so Small could have arrived as a future successor to the gem, at the age of 18.

Former Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl once hailed the young talent, saying: “Thierry I must say, very enjoyable to watch this lad, feels absolutely good here at this club. He has some really good potential, physically, mentally he is a fantastic guy I think.

“Very positive, enjoys everything he does. Very shiny person I must say, still a lot of things to learn but I like to work with this player.”

Small has played 22 matches for the Saints at U21 level since joining the side from Everton in 2021 and has chipped in with five goals and three assists from left-back.

The 18-year-old has an outstanding return of 11 goals in 39 matches as a left-back for Southampton, the Toffees, and Port Vale combined shows that the youngster is a defender with a knack for making a big impact at the top end of the pitch.

Therefore, Small could be a perfect fit for the wing-back position in Conte's system and could, in turn, have been a dream heir to Perisic's throne if he arrived at Spurs and was able to develop into a first-team option.