Lions realistic on Reds target Jed
BOSS Gary Rowett says Millwall must be “open-minded to all scenarios” regarding Nottingham Forest target Jed Wallace.
The Reds are believed to have seen two bids for the 27-year-old winger turned down, as they look to add to get their January business done early.
Wallace is out of contract in the summer, when he would become a free agent, and there is said to be competition from Turkish outfit Besiktas in trying to secure his signature.
Rowett told the South London Press: “We’re in a situation where we would love Jed to stay and sign a new contract, but he is out of contract at the end of the season.
“We have to be open-minded to all scenarios. What we don’t want to do is lose one of our best players over the past four or five seasons for nothing.”
Forest have already added striker Keinan Davis, on loan from Aston Villa, and former Bournemouth defender Steve Cook to their ranks so far this window.
They are also closing on the signing of full-back Richie Laryea from MLS side Toronto, but are thought to still be keen on further strengthening their attacking options.
Wallace has made 21 League appearances for the Lions so far this season, chipping in with five goals and six assists.
He made the move to Millwall in the summer of 2017, on the back of two loan spells at the club, and has previously played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portsmouth, as well as non-league Farnborough and Whitehawk.
On the possibility of adding more than one attacker this month, Forest head coach Steve Cooper said prior to Davis’ arrival: “Possibly - or attacking players, for sure. It’s possible.
“For sure, it is an area we would like to strengthen. You want as many good attacking options as possible in this league, particularly at times when you have a lot of games.”
Rangers are said to have ramped up their interest in Forest-linked defender John Souttar.
The Hearts ace has a long list of potential suitors as he enters the final six months of his contract.
Along with the Reds, Championship rivals Stoke City, Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United are all said to be keen, along with a couple of MLS teams. But the Glasgow Evening Times report Rangers hope to prevent the centre-back from moving south of the border.
They say boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has picked out Souttar “as a key Bosman target to bolster his defensive options”. Rangers have “made a move to land” the 25-year-old and “will attempt to convince him to turn down a move to England this summer”. Souttar will be a free agent in the summer when his deal expires. Hearts have offered him fresh terms, but are said to be “resigned” to seeing the Scotland international head elsewhere.
It has been claimed they would only sell this month if a significant bid was received, being prepared to risk losing the player for free in the summer rather than jeopardise their chances of European qualification.