Millwall are closing in on their first incoming transfer of the summer window as they target a permanent move for Zak Sturge.
The Lions had an impressive Championship campaign last season, coming to within an inch of reaching the playoffs. The club have already seen players depart, with the most prominent being midfielder George Saville, who has since agreed to join Luton Town once his contract expires.
Chelsea Loanee Incoming
According to the Daily Express, Millwall are in the final stages of completing a permanent transfer for Zak Sturge, who impressed at The Den during a limited run at the club. The 21-year-old played just five times since joining in February of this year, and started the final three games of the season. He has previous EFL experience with Peterborough United, playing 15 times for the club across League One and cup competitions.
This update comes a week after the BBC’s Nizaar Kinsella said that a potential deal was in ‘advanced stages’. It is believed that Chelsea and Millwall have been engaged in discussions since the end of the season about completing a permanent switch, and the left-back is preparing for a medical as well as signing the final pieces of paperwork in order to make the switch. Lions manager Alex Neil praised Sturge during his spell at the club, commenting on his debut to the Southwark News:
“There were just a couple of times, obviously he’s really eager, he sort of pops that ball and runs beyond it before we secured it. So a couple of little bits to improve on.
“I thought he was competitive in the air. I thought you could see he’s athletic, handles the ball well. There’s nothing better when you’re a young lad that’s come in, got on the pitch and your team wins 1-0 right at the death so he’ll be delighted with that.”
Writers’ View
Millwall have seemed impressed with how Zak Sturge did in the final games of the season as the club pressed in their charge for playoff football. With Dan McNamara currently out of contract, the Chelsea academy graduate can be seen as the understudy for Joe Bryan, and has proved more than capable when filling in for the 31-year-old. With the left side of defence now sorted for the upcoming season, The Lions now need to focus on their situation with Japhet Tanganga and prepare for his potential departure.
