Crystal Palace are close to completing a deal to sign highly-rated Millwall attacker Romain Esse, according to the Daily Mail.
The transfer has not been finalised, but negotiations are at an advanced stage, with discussions ongoing about the 19-year-old’s immediate future.
Palace had internally debated signing Esse as early as December before making a formal move two days ago, with one key topic being him potentially remaining on loan at Millwall for the rest of the season.
This arrangement is reportedly Millwall’s preferred outcome. However, Palace may want to integrate Esse into their squad for the second half of the campaign, looking to bolster their attacking options at Selhurst Park.
Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has personally scouted the England Under-20 international on several occasions this season, including a standout performance on October 23 when Esse netted the winning goal against Plymouth.
Esse’s impressive displays have not gone unnoticed by other Premier League clubs, who are also monitoring the versatile youngster.
Millwall head coach Alex Neil acknowledged Palace’s interest in Esse ahead of their FA Cup clash against Dagenham & Redbridge.
Neil emphasised that the Championship club is determined to retain their top talent but admitted that Esse’s new long-term contract, signed over the summer, includes a release clause that could facilitate his departure.
“If he does move, he’ll move for significant money, which from the club’s perspective will be brilliant business considering we could have lost him in the summer for free,” Neil stated.
Esse has been a standout performer for Millwall this season, contributing five goals and one assist across 25 appearances in all competitions.
With Palace manager Oliver Glasner assured of reinforcements this month, Esse could be a key piece alongside ongoing pursuits for Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf and Liverpool’s Ben Doak, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough.
For Palace supporters, the prospect of landing one of England’s brightest young talents is a tantalising boost as they look to create a bigger gap between themselves and the relegation zone after an insipid start.
