Millwall send Crystal Palace, Everton and Leeds United transfer hint

Millwall will not be forced to let key first team players go for cheap this summer but could still sanction exits, according to head coach Alex Neil, as Premier League clubs circle over two key stars.

Both defender Japhet Tanganga and striker Mihailo Ivanovic have been linked with a move away from The Den and to the top flight in recent weeks.

Tanganga is said to have a £1.2 million release clause in his Millwall deal and enjoyed an impressive campaign last time out. The former Tottenham Hotspur man was a mountain at the back and helped the Lions to their impressive defensive record, as well as scoring some key goals.

Japhet Tanganga linked with Premier League return

Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Leeds United and Wolves had all been linked with a move for the player, who has top flight experience thanks to his time at Spurs. There is also said to be European interest with the defender preferring a move abroad over a return to the Premier League.

Tanganga’s supposed release clause would leave Millwall with little bargaining power but, speaking about transfers this week, Neil suggested that was not the case. However, the Millwall boss didn’t completely rule out a switch if a lucrative bid was to come in.

He told Southwark News: “I know there’s a lot of speculation, as there always is, whether it be with Japhet or whether it be with Mihailo or whether it be with anybody else.

“We are not actively looking to try and sell anyone. We want to try and retain the squad, and we want to try and grow and build and be good this season. Equally, if somebody comes in with offers that are way beyond what we would maybe have as an evaluation of a player, then certain decisions may well get made.

“What I will tell you is we have no ambitions or certainly no effort is going into trying to move any of our players. We want to keep them here. We like them. We think they’ve got real growth in terms of them individually, but also us as a team. And we want to try and make sure this year is a good year for us.”

Everton and Wolves monitor Millwall striker

Ivanovic only arrived at Millwall last summer but his fast transition to the Championship turned heads last season. The 20-year-old scored 14 goals in all competitions last term in a strong debut campaign.

Everton and Wolves have been linked with interest, as well as Serie A giants Lazio. Ivanovic cost £2.8 million last year and was promoted to the number nine shirt this summer, outlining Millwall’s intention to hold onto the player.

In other news, 'Make that progression' - Pundit tells Millwall to sign 'instrumental' former Premier League star.