WILL Smallbone is reportedly the target of three Championship clubs, with Millwall, Sunderland and Burnley all looking to strike a loan deal.

The 22-year-old midfielder has played 20 times for Saints since making his first-team debut in 2020, with his development hampered by cruel injuries.

Another report emerged earlier this summer, suggesting newly-promoted Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest were also keen to take the Irishman on loan.

Smallbone had a positive international break with Republic of Ireland’s under-21s, scoring three goals as they secured a play-off for potential European Championship qualification.

The Ireland chiefs have been open about the Basingstoke-born talent’s need for regular football, before he can break into the senior national side.

Football League World report that Millwall, Sunderland and Burnley are all among those willing to give him that playtime with a loan spell this season.

Towards the end of last season, Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl praised Smallbone and insisted he sees his future at the club – but that was before a busy transfer window which could see over half-a-dozen arrivals.

"He shows us in every session that he is a very good footballer, and I think on the 10 (position) when he came on last time, he had some good ball wins,” Hasenhuttl said.

“I think we have a good young group and he is part of it, and when he stays fit, which has been the issue with a lot of injuries in the past, then I think when he stays fit for a longer period, we can expect a few good steps forward."

He continued: "Eight, six, 10. I think these are the positions he (Smallbone) can play normally, and where he will get the chance to play in the future.

I think it is important for us to go as strong as possible for the targets we have, and we still have these targets. And when he is strong enough, he will get the chance to do it. When he is not, then he will not be there."

Smallbone is under contract at Saints until 2024, after singing an updated deal in January 2020.

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