Smallbone, 23, came through the youth ranks at Southampton and broke into the side’s first team in 2019.
He was shipped out to Stoke City last season and the midfielder was an integral part of the Potters’ campaign in the Championship.
He is now of interest to Sheffield United, with the Blades eyeing realigning their squad for the forthcoming Premier League campaign.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side are said to have tabled a bid worth less than £7m for Smallbone.
And now it is claimed that the Saints have snubbed the offer from the Premier League new boys for the 23-year-old midfielder.
Southampton are now set to let their midfield gem James Ward-Prowse make a move to West Ham United and are unlikely to want to sell Smallbone, who has a year left on his contract.
Saints’ boss Russell Martin admires the midfielder and has considered him an integral part of his plans moving forward.
Now it remains to be seen if the Blades will further move for their midfield target or turn their attention to other options in the coming days.
