Pundit says Millwall will want "big money" for defender amid transfer "interest" from West Ham and Wolves
The defender has made 30 appearances for Alex Neil’s side this season, keeping 11 clean sheets.
Millwall remain in the hunt for a Championship play-off place even though they are 14th in the table. They are just six points off West Brom, who currently sit in sixth place.
With manager Alex Neil taking over, they will hope to become real promotion contenders next season, although they will need to keep hold of their best players if they are to do so.
One Millwall star is reportedly attracting Premier League interest from West Ham and Wolves and could be in line for a big summer transfer, which the Lions will hope to avoid.
Millwall star Tanganga tipped for Premier League move
Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga joined at the Den on loan from Tottenham in January 2024, and after a successful six-month loan spell, he signed permanently in the summer on a free transfer. Since then, the 25-year-old has made 30 Championship appearances for Millwall, scoring two goals, and helping Alex Neil’s side to come into outside contention for a play-off place in the Championship.
However, they may now struggle to keep hold of him in the summer due to reported interest from both West Ham and Wolves.
According to former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer, Tanganga is too good for the Championship, and the Lions could be set to make a hefty profit on the defender.
He told Football League World: “Wolves and West Ham are two of the clubs who are tracking Japhet Tanganga, who continues to impress at Millwall.
“He is a cut above this level, we all know that, he’s just struggled with injuries, but the 25-year-old has managed to stay fit and has played a big role in the Lions getting out of a relegation battle under Neil Harris last season, while he’s continued to improve in this campaign.
“I think when he signed for the club, Japhet must have had a conversation with the hierarchy that if a Premier League club came knocking, then they would look at it. They’re obviously not going to sell him on the cheap, and they will be looking at getting big money after he finishes this season.”
West Ham looking to add quality in defence
Tanganga isn’t the only defender that the Hammers have been linked to in recent weeks, as Graham Potter aims to solidify his side’s back line in the summer transfer window.
West Ham have also been linked with Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who’s contract at St Mary’s Stadium is due to expire in the summer after he didn’t sign an extension.
With over 130 Premier League appearances to his name, it is no wonder that several top-division clubs are keeping tabs on the 27-year-old. Tottenham are reportedly keen on bringing the defender back to North London.
The defender rejected a January transfer move to Turkish side Galatasaray, as it is understood that he wants to stay in the Premier League. Fulham are also said to be interested in signing the defender.