Millwall are bracing themselves for interest from the Premier League for 18-year-old attacking midfielder Romain Esse, according to TEAMtalk.
The youngster broke into the Lions’ first team squad last season, making his debut as a late substitute in the 0-0 draw with Luton Town. He has since gone one to make 22 appearances for the club, featuring in all-but-two of Millwall’s Championship fixtures this season.
After scoring his first goal for the London-based club in the opening day win over Middlesbrough, Esse was called up to the England under-19 squad for the first time, earning two caps in September in the defeat against Germany and the win over Switzerland.
Speaking to Southwark News in August, Millwall under-21 boss Kevin Nugent was full of praise for the teenager, saying;
“I think everyone is aware of his talent. He’s been called up for England’s under-18s, (Gary Rowett) will put him in at the right time and he will get his time to perform for the first team.
“Everyone knows he’s a huge talent and we certainly don’t want to put too much pressure on him. And the manager’s dealt with a lot of young players before so he’ll know how that works.”
Despite mainly featuring from the substitutes bench, he has caught the eye of a number of Premier League teams, with TEAMtalk claiming that Vincent Kompany’s Burnley are one of several interested parties. It is stated that the former Anderlecht manager is keen to recruit some of the brightest young talents in the country and Esse has been identified as a player who could potentially generate the Lancashire club significant funds through his sell-on value.
Millwall will be reluctant to ssanction the sale of one of their brightest young talents, particularly in January whilst they are still targeting a place in the end of season play-offs. However, there could be a conversation to had at the end of the season.
Manager Gary Rowett will be hoping his side can build on their 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle last night when they host Hull City at The Den this weekend. They currently sit in 11th position, although they are just two points outside the all-important top six.
Writer’s View
Millwall feel that Romain Esse is their prized jewel from their recent academy crop and will be keen to get the most out of any potential sale once the seemingly inevitable happens. It looks to be a question of when, not if the Lions will cash in, but will be hoping that a January sale is not on the cards.
Should clubs from the Premier League come calling after Christmas, they would do well to negotiate a deal which would see him return to The Den for the remainder of the season on loan, plus a percentage of any future sale.
