3 Zian Flemming replacements Millwall should consider amid rumoured Burnley interest
Millwall attacking midfielder Zian Flemming enjoyed a strong first season in English football and his talents are said to have drawn Premier League interest.
Promotion winners Burnley are claimed to be eyeing up Flemming as they gear up for a top-flight return.
Given just how key Flemming is, the hope will be that Millwall can retain his services. If the Clarets firm up their interest though and lodge a big enough bid, the chance to cash in could prove tempting for the Lions.
With that in mind, here are three potential replacements the Championship side should consider…
Finn Azaz – Aston Villa
Azaz is ready for the Championship after a strong season on loan with promotion winners Plymouth Argyle and he could be a strong replacement if Flemming moves on. He can play as an attacking midfielder or deeper as a no.8, offering goal threat from both positions.
Azaz netted eight goals and provided 10 assists in 39 games last season and could be a feasible option for the Lions.
Sebastian Nanasi – Malmo FF
If Millwall want to go down the European route again, Malmo prodigy Nanasi is someone who they could make a big profit on in the years to come. He enjoyed a breakthrough year on loan with Kalmar FF in 2022 and has managed nine goals and four assists in 16 games for Malmo this season.
He can play through the middle as an attacker or out on the left-hand side and could be destined for a move sooner rather than later.
Andy Moran – Brighton
Last but not least is Brighton & Hove Albion prodigy Moran, who would likely be a loan signing. He plays either as a no.10 or striker and after thriving in PL2, the Irishman is ready to step up to senior football.
The 19-year-old is well-rounded and technically gifted, managing 11 goals and six assists in 23 games last season. He’d offer a similar goalscoring threat to Flemming from an attacking midfield role and could star on loan in the Championship.
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Barnsley FC target set to join Charlton Athletic as Millwall provide update on Reds midfielder plus news of a new deal for Hull City teenage star
The 26-year-old, outstanding in a loan spell at Oakwell in the second half of 2022-23, had been in talks with the Reds about signing on a permanent basis following his recent release from Luton Town.
Isted, who made 22 appearances for the club and excelled in their narrow League One play-off final loss to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of May, had been keen on continuing to work with Michael Duff after his excellent spell in South Yorkshire from January onwards.
But with uncertainties over Duff’s future having intensified in the past week – culminating in his exit to Swansea City – and amid rival interest, the keeper is thought to have rejected the chance of returning to Barnsley to head to London in preference.
Charlton are also understood to have put together a more attractive package to sign him following talks.
Meanwhile, Charlton’s near-neighbours remain keen on a permanent move for Reds midfielder Callum Styles – but only if the Oakwell outfit lower their price.
Styles is also a reported target of Watford, managed by ex-Reds head coach Valerien Ismael.
The Hungary international left the Reds on a season-long loan at the end of last year’s summer transfer window.
An agreement was struck on deadline day, but only after Styles penning a new deal at the club until 2025. There is a release fee inserted in the 23-year-old’s deal.
The former Bury player featured 22 times for the Lions last term in a season interrupted by an injury which kept Styles out for three months.
Millwall boss Gary Rowett said: “The release clause is quite high.
“Stylesy had a little bit of missed playing time through injury, which was no fault of his own. We didn’t feel it was the right time to try and pursue that one.
“But he is a player that we would be interested in, at the right level. He’s Barnsley’s player and what they want to do could be completely different to what one or two other clubs want to do – that’s their prerogative.”
Liam Rosenior has set midfielder Harry Vaughan a challenge after he became the third Hull City player to agree fresh terms this week.
The rising star has signed a new three-year deal, with the club having the option of an additional year.
The teenager, who only moved from National League outfit Oldham to Hull on the final day of the January window following a successful trial, burst onto the scene towards the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
The versatile midfielder, who only turned 19 in April, made five starts and impressed immensely.
Head coach Rosenior said: “From the first day I saw Harry in training, I fell in love with his attitude, ability to take the ball and bravery to play.
“To come straight into Championship football and show his potential, I couldn’t have been happier with him.
“He’s someone who can improve even more and is going to be a real bright spot for the club in the years to come.
“The challenge for Harry is to nail down a place in the team for next season – a team that is hopefully pushing at the top end of the league.”
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