Millwall man closing in on move to EFL club amid Wigan Athletic interest | OneFootball

Millwall forward Matt Smith is on the verge of making the move to League Two outfit Salford City, according to a report from the South London Press.

The 32-year-old signed a one-year extension at The Den back in June to extend his stay until this summer, but has been unable to force his way into Gary Rowett’s starting lineup regularly this term and has been utilised more as an impact player in the English capital.

The likes of summer signing Benik Afobe, talisman Tom Bradshaw and key man Jed Wallace have all been preferred as options in the Lions’ frontline and was even left on the bench as an unused substitute in their previous league match against Nottingham Forest.

Quiz: Can you name which club Millwall signed these 28 defenders from?

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Daniel Ballard? (Loan)

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This was despite Bradshaw needing to be withdrawn in the 28th minute after suffering a severe knee injury, with Mason Bennett being preferred as his replacement last weekend.

Football League World understands that 29-year-old Bradshaw has been ruled out of action for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign – but they are now on the prowl for a replacement with Nottingham Forest forward Lyle Taylor being considered as a potential addition in the English capital.

Another player who is set to become unavailable is Smith with his move to Salford close to completion, opting to take two steps down the football pyramid after struggling for game time in the Championship.

Third-tier side Wigan Athletic were also thought to be in the race for his signature, though it remains to be seen whether they are ready to hijack this move with Josh Magennis already arriving from Hull City this month.

The Verdict:

Although Bradshaw’s injury potentially makes this move a slight risk for Rowett’s side, a shake up in the front line could help to increase their attacking threat and unpredictability, something they will need if they want to push for a play-off spot.

There are no real questions about their defensive solidity – but going forward – there does need to be a bit of an overhaul and this is especially important with star winger Wallace being heavily linked with a move away.

Sheyi Ojo looks like a decent prospect – but he will need capable players around him to make the second-tier side a real offensive threat – the next step they need to take as they seek to creep into play-off contention.

For Salford, they are getting a real physical presence and someone who can give them a different option, either as a starter or a bench option.

Whilst there may be a temptation to play a very direct style of football with his imminent arrival, the Greater Manchester side need to ensure that doesn’t make them too predictable in their quest to break into the top half of the fourth tier.