Ireland Under-21 midfielder Will Smallbone has Southampton’s blessing ahead of transfer window

Southampton have a plan for Will Smallbone ahead of next season.

Southampton have already made a decision on the future of Will Smallbone at St. Mary's ahead of the summer transfer window. According to reports, the Republic of Ireland U21 star has been informed that he's allowed to depart the club on loan for next season. The 22-year-old has been in great form for the Boys in Green in June with three goals in two caps for Ireland U21s.

Will Smallbone to leave Southampton on loan.

The Irish underage international is contracted at St. Mary's until 2024, however, Smallbone is said to want regular first-team football for next season. Southampton told the 22-year-old that they are happy for him to spend a year out on loan before returning to fight for a place in Ralph Hasslehuttl's starting XI. Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in Smallbone to replace Man United loanee James Garner. The newly-promoted Premier League club have held talks with Forest. However, Steve Cooper will pursue Garner before attempting to sign Smallbone from the Saints.

Smallbone's struggle for game time after injury return.

The midfielder ruptured his ACL in 2020 and has struggled for regular game time since. Smallbone made just four Premier League appearances this season as the Saints finished 15th. However, he has been in sublime form for Jim Crawford's U21 side this month. Southampton's academy graduate will want to get more game time next season, having only played 132 minutes of football in 2021/22 campaign. Although, if the Saints sell their captain James Ward-Prowse in the summer transfer window, they may have to go back on their word allowing Smallbone to leave. https://twitter.com/RTEsoccer/status/1533853477297954816 Related links:

• Caoimhin Kelleher comments on his Liverpool future ahead of next season.
• Tottenham make decision on Troy Parrott's future ahead of next season.
• Liam Scales may depart Celtic this summer transfer window following interest.

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