Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest dealt 'brilliant' transfer boost as Millwall 'priority' emerges

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest may have had hopes of a January swoop for talented Millwall forward Romain Esse boosted by news of the Championship club's transfer priorities come the New Year.

The South London Press reports that the Lions have made the signing of a number 10 a priority in January with former Stoke City and Sunderland boss Alex Neil set to be appointed as the new manager at The Den. Millwall allowed talisman Zian Flemming to leave for Burnley in the summer on a loan-to-buy deal and Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn has endured an injury-ridden stay in London so far.

Romain Esse played in the supporting role as Millwall were beaten 2-1 at Norwich City on Boxing Day but the position remains a role that needs filling long-term. The outlet adds that the club is aware it could lose Esse in the upcoming window with Premier League clubs monitoring the player.

With Millwall actively looking to bring in an additional forward, that could pique the interests of Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, who are both said to be working on a deal to sign Esse. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 and is widely regarded as one of the Championship's most exciting talents.

The Eagles have long been considered frontrunners to complete a move for Esse thanks to their recent history helping players make the step up from the EFL to the Premier League in Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Adam Wharton. However, earlier this month, The Telegraph claimed that Nottingham Forest have 'regularly watched' Esse at Millwall and that the winger is a 'long-term' target for the high-flying top flight outfit.

Nuno Espirito Santo's work and the potential of European football could see the club backed financially come January, which could spell trouble for Crystal Palace's hopes of recruiting Esse.

The South London will still be confident in striking a deal for Esse, with those rumours long established, along with being able to offer the player a short move across South London. LondonWorld reported that the club could sell forward Odsonne Edouard in January to fund other transfers. There has been talk of a buy-to-loan deal being struck, which would see Esse return to The Den to complete the current Championship season with Millwall.

Esse tipped to complete Premier League transfer

Earlier this season, Harris had been candid when speaking about Premier League interest in the player. He said: “I don’t worry about Romain’s mentality – he’s a brilliant young man. He has been schooled well here and has had a good upbringing at home. Romain just loves playing football. He wants to be on the pitch and he loves winning as well, which is important for us.

“Gary [Rowett] is right – there will be a lot of interest. He’s a 19-year-old who is playing in the Championship. Romain’s focus, and he’s been told in no uncertain terms, has to be to stay in the team.

“That’s his priority focus – everything else in football will come after that. If you’re not playing regularly from the start in the Championship, then you’re never going to move up the levels. Romain has huge potential. He’s a really grounded boy with great ability. He has added to his end product this year already. If he carries on doing that, then Romain will certainly grace the Premier League at some stage.”