Crystal Palace have reportedly stepped up their interest in Millwall winger Romain Esse.
That's what reporter Alan Nixon said via Patreon on Sunday, which would be a huge blow for the Lions.
Esse, a young England international, has progressed through Millwall's academy system and into the first team in recent years and has been the star of Neil Harris' side so far this season.
At just 19, the winger has quickly established himself as one of the EFL's most talented youngsters and was rewarded with a new long-term contract extension in August.
The Eagles are preparing to descend on Esse
The fact that Esse has signed a new contract does not appear to have stopped Crystal Palace from pursuing a deal for the Millwall man, according to Nixon. French Sunday, via his Patreon, the reporter revealed that the Eagles are intensifying their interest in the teenager.
Nixon also says Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman was on hand to watch Esse in person last week, which is another sign of intent from the Eagles.
Due to the nature of Esse's performances, Nixon reports that Palace can change its focus from having him as a long-term goal to an immediate one when the January transfer window opens.
Esse made his Millwall debut on Boxing Day 2022 and made 13 appearances in all competitions during his 2022/23 campaign at The Den.
His first-team role will only continue to expand from the 2023/24 season onwards, in which he will make 25 league appearances, scoring twice. However, the 2024/25 season is shaping up to be Esse's best, and perhaps one where he truly establishes himself as one of the biggest emerging talents in the football league.
He could be the next EFL star to shine at Selhurst Park
If there's one Premier League club in particular that has jumped at the chance to buy Champions League talent in recent times, it's Crystal Palace.
Adam Wharton, Michael Olise, and Ebere Eze are among Selhurst Park's biggest hits when it comes to the Eagles and their recruitment of second-division stars.
All three names are already on their way to long and highly successful careers and Palace could consider Esse as their next proposed signing.
Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 12 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Avg. Rating | 7.1/10 |
The teenage sensation has rotated around the full-backs all season so far and has been one of the best right-backs in the division during the early stages of the season. With speed, skill, talent, strength, creative instincts, and an eye for goal, Esse seems to have all the ingredients to follow in the footsteps of the aforementioned players who have made the jump from the Championship to the Premier League.
Indeed, by the end of Millwall's Round 12 game against Swansea City, no second-tier right-back had committed more fouls than Esse (31) while outpacing his position mates in terms of tackles won (93) - according to FotMob.
To retain his long-term services, Millwall may need to secure promotion to the Premier League this season. However, the Lions could receive a record fee for one of their players if Crystal Palace, or even another Premier League team, knock on their door soon.
NEXT MORE
How to Watch Serie A in the US: Live Streams, TV Channels, and Fixture Schedule
How to Watch Bundesliga in the US: Live Streams, TV Channels, and Fixture Schedule
UEFA Cuts Ticket Prices for Away Fans in European Club Competitions
Real Madrid's 2024-25 Champions League Group Stage Schedule
Complete fixtures and results for the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League group stage
How to Watch Champions League in the US: Live Streams, TV Channels, and Fixture Schedule
