Talks between Everton and Thierry Small over a first professional contract are progressing.
A report this week claimed Small was hesitant to sign a deal with Arsenal and Manchester United amongst a host of clubs said to be interested in his services.
But the ECHO understands talks with Everton are continuing as planned and the 16-year-old is fully focused on the FA Youth Cup fourth round showdown against Manchester City on Saturday.
Small, who joined Everton as an 11-year-old after a previous spell with West Bromwich Albion, is not eligible to sign his first professional contract until he turns 17 in August in accordance with Football Association rulings.
The defender and his camp are relaxed about negotiations due to the length of time before his next birthday and there is no current insinuation he is considering a move elsewhere.
Small considers Lucas Digne to be the best left-back in the Premier League but there is also a firm belief from those close to the player that he can reach the same level in the future should the right pathway be engineered at Goodison Park.
The Everton talent - who made his senior debut in the FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday in January - also made his under-23s bow this season as well as working under Carlo Ancelotti in first-team training.
