Ally Graham will receive an offer from Southampton for another trial period.
The gifted goalkeeper Ally Graham, a teenager from Scotland, is expected to receive a trial offer from Southampton FC after a fruitful 14-year-old trial with the team earlier this year.
Graham, who is presently a member of Dundee’s youth academy, has drawn interest from other teams, including Aston Villa, and was also called up to the Scotland U16 squad.
This season, Southampton is playing in the Championship with the goal of getting promoted. They are currently ranked eighth in the standings, but a victory over Preston North End on their next game could move them up to third.
The goalkeeper previously spent time on trial with the Saints last April, where he trained with the club at the age of just 14.
The teenager is currently with Dundee’s youth academy, where he has earned a reputation as an impressive upcoming talent.
He has been called up to the Scotland U16 side ahead of the November international break, where they will play against the Republic of Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland, having played for the team earlier this year already.
However, prior to the break he is expected to return to St. Mary’s for a second trial outing with the Championship side.
The youngster is a burgeoning young talent that is already receiving international recognition as well as transfer interest.
The shot stopper is just 15-years-of-age and thus has yet to make the breakthrough into senior football.
However, he won’t have to wait too long for his senior debut based on his current trajectory, with expectation building that he can go on to have an impressive career.
He is coming through the ranks of the Dundee youth academy, but is attracting plenty of transfer interest already.
Graham was also linked with a trial to Premier League side Aston Villa earlier this year, with Unai Emery’s side taking a closer look at the goalkeeper.
It is believed that there are a number of other clubs in England monitoring the progress of the youngster, meaning there could be stiff competition for the Saints if they look to sign the teenager from Dundee on a permanent basis.
Signing the goalkeeper would be one for the future, with the 15-year-old likely still a few years away from breaking into a first team squad at senior level, despite this much interest in his services.
How have Southampton started this season?
Southampton were initially in the Premier League when they first took Graham in on trial earlier this year, but the Saints have since dropped into the Championship.
Russell Martin’s side are aiming to compete for promotion straight back to the top flight this campaign.
The Saints are currently eighth in the table following their 2-1 win over Hull City last weekend.
The south coast club returns to action this evening with a trip to face fourth place Preston North End.
Victory could lift Martin’s side up to third in the table, if results elsewhere go in their favour.
Would Southampton make a thrilling addition in Ally Graham?
For a team the caliber of Southampton, it is far too early to tell if he will be the starting goal in the future, and placing that kind of pressure on him could stunt his growth.
However, the fact that his performances have already garnered this level of attention at this early point in his career is undoubtedly exciting for the young actor.
Given the importance of goalkeepers in today’s games, it makes sense for teams to be looking for the best and brightest young players.
Graham has a great chance to benefit from this trial because, at this point in his life, let alone his career, moving to England would be a major step.