Reading have rejected Millwall’s approach for forward Femi Azeez as the Royals hope to keep hold of the 23-year-old this summer, according to reports from the Reading Chronicle.
The Lions were reportedly in negotiations to sign Azeez from the Berkshire club. However, the Reading Chronicle received confirmation that Millwall’s bid was formally rejected.
Reading will ultimately be eager to keep hold of their important first-team players this summer. The Royals are under a transfer embargo and cannot sign new players as their issues with finding a new owner continue.
As a result, the club appear unwilling to sell their best assets, as signing any replacements would not be possible currently. However, Millwall’s eagerness to sign a forward this summer could lead to an improved bid. The South London side have also been linked with Notts County’s Macauley Langstaff, according to the South London Press.
Therefore, the Championship outfit may return for Azeez in the coming weeks to secure attacking reinforcements. The 23-year-is currently valued by Transfermarkt at around £600,000 and has a year left on his contract.
Reading has a recent history of selling key players. In the winter window, the Berkshire side sold Nelson Abbey and Tom Holmes departed in a bid to improve finances.
Moreover, Azeez has also attracted recent interest from other Championship clubs previously. Second-tier Plymouth Arygyle were also reportedly interested in signing the Reading Academy graduate in January.
The 23-year-old made his first-team debut at Reading late in the 2020/21 campaign. However, the English attacker has since become an important figure at the club in the past two seasons, making 66 senior appearances.
In addition, Azeez showcased his talents for Reading last season in League One. In 46 league appearances, the former Wealdstone player notched eight goals and nine assists, recorded by Whoscored.
Writer’s View
Reading’s rejection of Millwall’s initial approach for Azeez signals that the Royals are not in a desperate financial position to sell off their best players. In addition, Rubén Sellés will be desperate to keep his star players to try and bring a season of stability following a tumultuous 2023/24 campaign of points deductions and transfer embargos.
Yet, the Royals are still at the whims of financial constraints, which may be a consideration if Millwall come in with an improved bid for Azeez. However, Reading is equally in a strong position to negotiate after the club activated the player’s contract extension to June 2025 last season.
