Millwall are said to be interested in Chelsea left-back Zak Sturge this summer transfer window, according to William Scott.
Millwall have an exciting couple of months ahead of them before the beginning of the next campaign after the first period of the summer transfer window opened on Sunday.
After becoming the head coach at the end of December, Alex Neil guided the Lions to an 8th-place finish in the league and just two points off a place in the top six.
Millwall boss Alex Neil
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
The South London side had a busy January window, during which eight new players joined the Championship outfit. Included in the eight was Chelsea left-back Zak Sturge, who signed on a loan deal until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Now, Will Scott of Southwark News has reported that Millwall ‘remain admirers’ of Sturge and the defender is a player that the Lions want at The Den next season.
The 20-year-old played five times for the Lions during his loan spell and started their last three games of the season, playing the full 90 minutes in all of them.
Sturge to return to Millwall?
If it hadn’t been for his last three appearances for Millwall, Sturge’s loan spell would’ve been deemed as a disappointment for all parties involved.
However, the young defender played a pivotal role at left back in the final games of the campaign in place of the injured Joe Bryan and even kept a clean sheet against Swansea City, who were in top form at the time.
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Millwall players celebrate Jake Cooper goal
Image courtesy of: CAT GORYN/REUTERS.
The 20-year-old is out of contract this summer, and it is unlikely that Chelsea are going to offer an extension on his current deal, so Sturge will have the choice as to where he plays next campaign.
A move back to the Lions does make sense for the left-back, especially with the way Millwall are focusing on the development of younger players in their setup and the youngster would provide ample competition for Bryan.
Transfer plans for the Lions this window
According to Richard Cawley, Millwall are open to loan and permanent options for a new goalkeeper this summer.
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Lukas Jensen ruptured his Achilles towards the end of last season, and with fellow senior shot stopper Liam Roberts out, the Lions were forced to start 19-year-old George Evans in goal for the remaining few games.
Roberts is out of contract this summer, so the South London side will need to reinforce this position in the transfer window while Jensen continues to rehabilitate.