How Millwall feel about selling Japhet Tanganga after Sassuolo approach | OneFootball

Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga considered to be vital asset after bid from Sassuolo is rejected

Millwall star Japhet Tanganga is considered a key asset for the Lions, who have turned down a bid from Sassuolo for the defender's services.

Millwall have reportedly rejected Italian side Sassuolo's approach to sign defender Japhet Tanganga for a bid worth £3.47 million, via Sky Sports.

After it was reported by Sky Sports that Millwall rejected another bid for Tanganga a month prior, from fellow Italian outfit Hellas Verona for £2.6 million, with defender on the radar of clubs across Europe.

However, with two rejected bids this summer for the former Tottenham Hotspur man, it has certainly highlighted the importance of the 26-year-old to Alex Neil's side.

Tanganga has spent the last two seasons at the Den and has become part of the fixtures and fittings at the club by making 58 Championship appearances throughout his time with Millwall.

The Englishman enjoyed a successful season last year on a personal note, becoming a regular starter by featuring in all but six Championship matches, as well as a fan favourite for his steely defensive performances.

Millwall consider Tanganga vital after rejected Sassuolo bid

After being voted as Millwall's player of the year, Tanganga is one that the club and fans don't want to see leave this summer with plenty of transfer speculation about the defender's future hanging in the balance for over a month.

With the Championship season having kicked off this week and Tanganga surely set to be featuring for Millwall for their opening fixtures, the summer transfer window open until 1st September brings about much uncertainty for the club, with there still being plenty of time for him to be swayed away from the Den and overseas.

Tanganga goes into this season in the final year of his contract in which Millwall have made their desire to keep the defender at the club very clear, with Southwark News reporting that the club have offered him a new contract.

Tanganga worth more than £1.5 million release clause to Millwall

With Tanganga's future at the Den being up in the air, it's reported that the ex-Tottenham defender has a release clause of £1.5 million that only applies to Premier League clubs.

However, with Millwall rejecting bids of £2.6 million and £3.47 million, the club evidently value their star man of last year to be worth a lot more than the £1.5 million release clause available to the top-flight clubs.

The Sun reported in June that Tanganga had as many as five Premier League clubs having him on their radar due to the players' release clause seeming to be a steal based on his performances last season.

As the clock ticks down for the summer transfer window, Millwall have sent across a clear message of how they feel about the defender potentially leaving the club, with the rejection of a bid worth more than double Tanganga's release clause highlighting this.

Retaining his services may still prove a challenge as the defender's release clause could represent something of a bargain to any clubs looking to hold their own in the Premier League, but Millwall have only further underlined Tanganga's importance this window and Alex Neil will be praying he remains with the club come September as he plots a play-off push.