Hull City have had a bid rejected for Millwall winger Romain Esse, according to Football Insider.
Hull City approached Millwall for the 18-year-old winger two days ago, but have now reportedly had their bid rejected. Romain Esse has started just 15 games in the Championship this season for his team, scoring once.
The Tigers were not the only club who approached the player, with Premier League side Burnley also registering contact with the Championship outfit for his signature. Manager Vincent Kompany has however cooled links to the winger in a recent press conference by saying:
“I know the player is a good player, but we haven’t been active on that one so I can be really honest.”
Esse is believed to be open to a move away from his current club this summer, due to the fact he has not played as many minutes as he would have hoped for this season. His last start in the league was in August and he has struggled for minutes ever since.
Lions boss Joe Edwards spoke on the reports linking the player away from the Den after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Preston North End, in which the English midfielder featured for 45 minutes.
“I gather why there would be speculation because that’s completely normal but from my point of view, there’s nothing I’ve had to make decisions on or give much thought of.”
“As far as I’m concerned, Romain’s here training with us every day and he’s a player that certainly for the long-term I want to be part of [the team] and I want to keep working with.”
The likes of Ryan Longman and Duncan Watmore are currently ahead of the 18-year-old in the pecking order, but the former came off injured at the weekend after dislocating his shoulder which could give Esse some more opportunities if he is to stay.
Hull sit in eighth position in the Championship, and their next game is against Millwall at the MKM stadium. It’s currently unknown whether Liam Rosenior’s side will return with a second bid for the player after having this one rejected.
Writer’s View
Esse will be frustrated with the lack of game time and the club blocking a move away is likely to be something that angers him even more. At 18-years-old, experience can be one of the most vital things in developing a young footballer, and with just one start since August, it’s unlikely that he is getting the development he feels he needs. A loan may have been something that would have suited all parties.
Joe Edwards may have to promise the player more game time in the second half of the season to avoid making him unhappy, or the club may run the risk of losing him again when the summer transfer window opens. There will be no shortage of teams interested if that time does come, especially with the current market value of around £767k the player has according to Transfermarkt.
