Millwall 'keen' for talks with Crystal Palace veteran as Sheffield United 'submit bid' for ex-Everton man

Millwall winger Romain Esse is closing in on a move to Crystal Palace as the Lions eye suitable replacements for the 19-year-old. Alex Neil’s side beat Dagenham & Redbridge 3-0 in the FA Cup third round on Monday night with Esse not included in the squad.

Asked for the reasons behind his absence, Neil said: "There wasn't an issue. Crystal Palace have shown a lot of interest in Romain. I didn't make him available for the game and I think the situation is progressing and what I wouldn't do is put that at risk at this stage. If that changes then Romain will be back in the squad."

Neil also conceded it was “fair to say” that the player’s move was closer than at this stage last week. Esse has scored five times in 25 games for the Lions this season with the club already linked to a possible replacement. The reported transfer fee for the player will sit at around £14.5m.

Schlupp a target for Millwall

Millwall are keen to speak to versatile Palace man Jeffrey Schlupp, who has also been linked with QPR this month. The 32-year-old is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the season and has not started a Premier League game this campaign. He has made 11 appearances off the bench totalling just 93 minutes. He has plenty of experience in the Premier League and has made 246 appearances for the Eagles since joining the club in 2017. He has also spent time with Leicester City and Brentford.

TBR Football report that Palace are happy for Schlupp to leave the club this month as they do not plan to offer him a contract extension. A potential departure this month would allow them to secure some form of fee. Providing an update on potential outgoings, Palace boss Oliver Glasner said on Sunday: “I want to keep the squad together – we don’t have a huge amount of outfield players. We have 21, including [Matheus] Franca. He is also now out again and we don’t know if he is available [until] spring [time].

“It means the number of players available is not that high. I really appreciate Jeffery’s experience and he can play in different positions. Today, with Tyrick Mitchell being really ill, we wanted a left-footed wing-back to play crosses – he can play there. He can play in the 10. He can play in midfield. He is so experienced – he can play almost anywhere. But Schluppy is now 32 and his contract ends in the summer. If he wants to have a change with two or three years on a contract, he will come [and tell me]. No one has come and said they want to leave – that’s very positive.”

Cannon in demand

Former Everton player Tom Cannon has reportedly been the subject of bids from promotion hopefuls Sheffield United and Sunderland. The 22-year-old striker joined Stoke City on loan in the summer from Leicester City. Following reports of offers from the Blades and the Black Cats, Stoke announced on Wednesday that Cannon had been recalled from his loan by the Foxes.

A club statement read: “Tom Cannon has been recalled from his loan spell at Stoke City by parent club Leicester City. The Republic of Ireland international scored 11 times for the Potters in 25 appearances in all competitions after arriving on the final day of the summer transfer window. Tom has our thanks for his commitment to the Stoke City cause during his loan spell with the Club. We wish him well for the future.”

According to Football Insider, the bid from Sheffield United is worth £7m and has been made as they eye promotion. The Sunderland Echo reports that the bid from the Black Cats is with a plan to purchase the striker if they are promoted.