Lions are preparing for loss of wanted Wallace

MILLWALL may be planning for the potential departure of Nottingham Forest target Jed Wallace this month.

The Reds remain keen on the winger, as they look to add to the three January signings they have made so far.

But the Lions, who Steve Cooper’s side face in the Championship on Saturday, have so far not been willing to let him go.

Forest also have to compete with interest in Wallace from elsewhere, with Turkish giants Besiktas believed to have their eye on him, while Middlesbrough and Sheffield United have also been linked.

As speculation about his future grows, however, Millwall are reportedly trying to bring in reinforcements.

The South London Press claim they have had initial bids turned down for Derby County’s Louie Sibley and Fortuna Sittard’s Zian Flemming, who the Reds tried to sign in the summer.

It is said boss Gary Rowett wants to bring in an attacking midfielder, but “it remains to be seen if the Lions will go back with a renewed bid for either player”.

News At Den says those offers were made as the club “prepare for the potential departure of Jed Wallace this month”, although they did want “to reinforce their front line anyway”.

And they add: “A source spoken to by Newsatden this week felt Nottingham Forest were in a strong position to land Wallace this month.

“However, Forest are not the only Championship club eyeing a move for Wallace and the attacker is under no pressure to make a decision.”

The 27-year-old will be out of contract in the summer.

Rowett said at the weekend he expects Wallace to be available to face the Reds on Saturday. He missed his team’s FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace due to only just returning from a quad problem.

“Jed had only trained for a couple of days and I didn’t think he’d done enough training or looked quite fit enough to effect this game,” said Rowett.

“So we will give him a little more time to make sure he is available for Forest. As we stand at the moment, there is no reason he won’t be available for that game.”

■ Forest are said to be “ready to make a move” for Blackpool winger Josh Bowler.

But the 22-year-old reportedly has a list of Championship admirers chasing his signature in the January transfer window.

As well as the Reds, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City are “looking to swoop for Bowler”, according to Teamtalk.

The attacker joined the Seasiders from Everton in the summer, penning a 12-month deal with an option to extend.

He has made 29 appearances in all competitions so far this season, 17 of them starts, and has scored two goals, amid some impressive performances.

Forest were said to have had an approach for Bowler turned down just before the January transfer window opened.