Manager Neil Harris has outlined Millwall’s stance on Everton-linked prospect Josh Stephenson.
Last week Football Insider reported that Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in a deal for the youngster, while Premier League rivals Brentford and newly-promoted Southampton are also closely monitoring him. Stephenson, who is yet to make his senior bow, is highly rated at Millwall and has proved a versatile option for the club’s youth sides.
Stephenson, who is yet to make his senior bow, is highly rated at Millwall and has proved a versatile option for the club’s youth sides, with the 18-year-old winning their Academy Player of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign having played a crucial role in their FA Youth Cup run as an ever-present for the Lions in the competition, playing every minute, as the south London side made it through to the semi-finals of the competition.
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After overcoming Barking 5-3 after extra time in the third round, Millwall triumphed 4-1 at Grimsby Town in the fourth round and then 3-0 at Coventry City in the fifth round when Stephenson was named captain. He retained the armband for the quarter-final derby match against Chelsea which Millwall won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Stephenson converting the winning spot-kick and although he also led them for the semi-final at Leeds United and scored in the 54th minute to make the score 2-2, the Yorkshire side triumphed 4-3.
Harris told the South London Press: “The game has changed over the last five to 10 years. Premier League clubs now are intent on buying young players.
“We had interest in our young players. That will always be the case at Millwall because we have some excellent players coming through our system.
“Josh is no different to that. What we will be very honest with as a football club, is that we will only sell any player at the right value where we feel we can get the right deal.
“If we don’t get the right offer, then it will go to a tribunal. If it has to be decided by that, then so be it by us.
“Josh is one that we really want to work with moving forward. But if any player wants to move on to pastures new, then we will make sure we will protect the football club.”