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Scouts sent: Millwall now leading race to sign "excellent" 6-goal winger to finally replace Esse

As they look to finally replace Romain Esse, who swapped The Den for Crystal Palace in January, Millwall are reportedly leading the race to sign an impressive six-goal winger.

Millwall in pole position for Esse heir

The Lions lost Esse at a frustrating time and have been on an inconsistent run of form ever since, even suffering defeat against their former star's new club when Crystal Palace knocked them out of the FA Cup earlier this month. They did, however, pick up their third win in their last five Championship games before the international break, defeating Stoke City 1-0.

What that recent run has done is kept their hopes alive in the race to secure a play-off place. Sat six points behind sixth-place West Bromwich Albion, the Lions have just eight games left to pull of what would be an incredible turnaround.

Failure to secure a place in the top six may yet open the door for a number of fresh faces this summer, who could hand Alex Neil the firepower he needs to take his side to that next level once and for all.

Among those targets looks set to be a League Two star. According to Football Insider, Millwall are now leading the race to sign Jordan Thomas from Cheltenham after sending scouts to watch the winger in his side's 1-0 defeat against MK Dons last weekend.

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The 23-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season for Cheltenham, who find themselves rooted to a mid-table spot in their first season since relegation from League One.

Despite his side's collective struggles, Thomas has been involved in 11 goals in all competitions - scoring six and assisting another five - and could now reap the rewards when the summer transfer window arrives.

"Excellent" Thomas has earned Championship move

In his first season in professional football after swapping National League South side Bath City for Cheltenham last summer, Thomas has been a true standout for his side. Now, in the space of two years, the winger could go from playing in the second tier of non-league football to England's second division if Millwall come calling.

Still just 23 years old, Thomas may just be getting started after finally breaking into the EFL. As Cheltenham set their sights on a much-improved campaign come August, they may have to do so without one of their star men. Given that manager Michael Flynn dubbed his star "excellent" earlier this season, however, he will be desperate to slam the exit door shut.

michael-flynn-cheltenham

As for Millwall, they may uncover a gem by signing Thomas from League Two. If those at The Den manage to replace Esse by signing a player outside of the spotlight, then there's no doubt that it will be an impressive coup and perhaps one that turns another profit in the future - painful as though it may be.

The Lions will once again have their sights set on breaking into the top six next season and Thomas could yet play a large part in that if he completes the biggest move of his career yet.

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