Millwall should now sign Premier League player with 'really good tactical brain' to get best out of Ivanovic

Millwall should now make their move for an attacking midfielder who could elevate Alex Neil’s squad in their bid to go one better than last season. The Lions finished just outside the playoffs last season, and a better start will be key if they are to compete for a top six spot again this time around.

Recruitment plays a key role in that, and Neil will want more attacking options before the transfer window closes. One potential option is Tottenham starlet Alfie Devine, who has been linked with a move to The Den this summer.

Devine has been made available for loan again this summer despite James Maddison’s injury, and a Championship move is likely. Millwall could be prime candidates, given their proximity to Spurs and the fact they look as though they are ready to challenge for promotion.

Devine spent last season on loan with Westerlo in Belgium, scoring four times. The 21-year-old made that move after making a strong case to stay at Spurs under Ange Postecoglou, who said last summer: “We’ll have a look at it really closely. I agree, Alfie has had a really good pre-season and again compare it to last year and he’s definitely developed. Part of that is probably because he played senior football last year on loan.

“A lot of them will be judged with what outs we have between now and the start of the season. I wouldn’t want to keep him with us unless I really felt he can get some significant game time because I don’t want to startle his development because he is a player that can make an impact here at Spurs.”

Devine said a couple of month into his Belgium stay: “Andy Scoulding [Spurs performance manager] was recently in Westerlo. After the match, we had a long chat. It’s nice that they follow you so closely. That involvement is motivating. Scoulding is a professional, he has already worked at Rangers, Valencia, Olympiacos and Liverpool, so he knows what he is talking about. If I need something, they [the club] are always there.”

“At Spurs, I had good conversations with coach Ange Postecoglou. I went on an internship with the first team, and I still feel involved in the group. You never know what the future will bring, but you are so happy to be in the picture.”

Devine has also previously spent time with Plymouth on loan, making 15 Championship appearances. Then Argyle boss Ian Foster said at the time: “Alfie’s performances have been very good, with and without the ball.

“He has got a really good tactical brain, a really clear understanding of what we are asking him to do and how to do it, and he applies himself brilliantly. It’s getting used to each other and people will really start to understand his qualities, how he can receive the ball in between the lines on the half turn and be positive”, Foster continued, with Devine being used in the number 10 role by Argyle.

“He’s a lovely footballer. I have worked an awful lot with Alfie, I know what he’s capable of and we are starting to see it now.”

Around 18 months on, Devine should be even more equipped to shine at Championship level, and when Millwall need that something different to break open teams, and to provide the neat through ball to Mihailo Ivanovic, Devine would be a very useful tool to have on hand.

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