CONFIRMED: Southampton raise Smallbone asking price

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 16 Aug 2023 15:52 BST
3 min read

Southampton have raised the asking fee for Will Smallbone amid interest in Premier League clubs.

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Sheffield United had an offer knocked back for the midfielder and were thought to be making a second bid before the end of the window.

But Southampton have decided that they would rather keep the Ireland international and have raised the asking price to at least £10million-£12m plus add-ons.

One unnamed Premier League side is weighing up whether to match that amount but it’s not clear whether a move would happen anytime soon.

Exc: Hear Southampton’s Will Smallbone has garnered some interest from a number of sides in the Championship following some impressive performances in pre-season. His current club would rather a loan deal at this point.
— Jacque Talbot (@jac_talbot) July 21, 2022

We are told that the Saints see Smallbone as a cornerstone of the team and that he will be integral to this season in which they try and achieve promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking.

We are also informed that Smallbone will be out for weeks rather than months, despite reports to the contrary.

Smallbone thanks Stoke City

It comes after the 23-year-old stated that his time at Stoke City meant that he has ‘grown up alot’.

Smallbone had a loan spell with the Potters last season, where he made 40 appearances and scored three goals in Alex Neil's side as they finished 16th in the Championship.

"I learned that the Championship is a tough long season with a lot of good sides," he told the BBC.

"Durability is important because every game will be different from the last. Going out on loan and getting my first season of proper men's football I think I've grown up a lot," he said.

"I can't thank Stoke enough for taking me in and letting me progress as a player and a person and I've come back to play a big part for Southampton this season.

"I think I can bring a lot of experience to a novice team in terms of Championship experience."