Millwall 'close' to losing star youth player to Premier League after Neil Harris promise
Millwall look set to lose one of their brightest young players to a London rival.
Millwall reportedly face losing one of their star youngsters to the Premier League as they continue preparations for the new season. The Lions are hoping for at least a top half finish this season after climbing the table late last term following a relegation battle scare.
As Neil Harris prepares for his first full season back at the club, he has already snapped up a number of quality targets, including Japhet Tanganga, Macaulay Langstaff and Lukas Jensen. More new arrivals are expected before the start of the new season, but there could also be departures following the exit of Alex Mitchell to Charlton Athletic.
It’s now being claimed that young talent Josh Stephenson could be lured away by Premier League club Brentford. BBC journalist Nazaar Kinsella has reported that the Bees are closing in on a five-year deal for the centre-back. Stephenson is Millwall’s under-18s captain, and he led his team to the Professional Development League Cup title last season, as well as the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.
Stephenson is recognised as a technically gifted centre-back who can also play in midfield, and it’s claimed he has attracted interest from a number of clubs this summer. It’s unclear how much Brentford will pay to land him, but a deal is said to be close, with training compensation also due as part of the deal.
Millwall boss Harris was asked by the South London Press about interest in Stephenson in May. “The game has changed over the last five to 10 years,” he responded. “Premier League clubs now are intent on buying young players.
“We had interest in our young players. That will always be the case at Millwall because we have some excellent players coming through our system. Josh is no different to that. What we will be very honest with as a football club, is that we will only sell any player at the right value where we feel we can get the right deal.
“If we don’t get the right offer, then it will go to a tribunal. If it has to be decided by that, then so be it by us. Josh is one that we really want to work with moving forward. But if any player wants to move on to pastures new, then we will make sure we will protect the football club.”