"The stumbling block" - Pundit reacts as Millwall look to seal Tottenham transfer | OneFootball

Neil Harris led Millwall to Championship survival, doing it more comfortably than expected as an impressive end of season run saw the Lions finish 13th.

A big part of Millwall's improved form towards the back of the end of the season was defender Japhet Tanganga. The 25-year-old signed for the Lions on loan from Tottenham in January, and impressed, playing 18 times.

The 25-year-old sees his deal expire with Spurs this summer, although the North London club have an option to extend his deal by a year, ensuring they'll receive a fee for the player this summer.

Millwall are keen to sign the Spurs man on a permanent basis this summer, and they have agreed a fee for the centre-back. The only sticking point is sorting personal terms for Tanganga, but the Lions are seemingly in a good place to sign him this summer.

Carlton Palmer on Millwall's interest in Japhet Tanganga

Former England international and current pundit Carlton Palmer believes that Millwall are in a very good position to sign Japhet Tanganga this summer, but they can't waste any time, as other sides may also make a move for the Spurs man.

Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said: “Millwall have agreed terms with Tottenham Hotspur for their 25-year-old defender Japhet Tanganga.

“Japhet spent the second-half of the season on loan with Millwall, where he played 18 times, and was hugely impressive. The stumbling block at the moment is that he hasn’t agreed personal terms, and other clubs are interested in him.

“They will be facing competition from other clubs, but it’s down to Millwall now, and they’re in the driving seat as, obviously, he was on loan there last season, and he said he enjoyed himself there. They’re in prime position, and it’s up to them to get the deal over the line quickly, before other clubs start wanting to speak to Japhet. “As a 25-year-old defender who has played for Spurs’ first-team, I think he’s played around 50 games for Spurs, so he’s experienced in the Championship, and above that level, so of course, there are going to be other clubs interested.

“I think with Japhet enjoying his time on loan at Millwall, I think Millwall are in prime position and the fact that they’ve agreed terms suggests that the player is interested in going to the football club, and it’s just a case of getting over the line with personal terms.”

Japhet Tanganga would be a very good signing for Millwall

Given his experience at Premier League level, Japhet Tanganga would be an excellent signing for a Championship club like Millwall.

The 25-year-old may have fallen out of favour under Ange Postecoglu this season, but he has played 50 times for Spurs, and this sort of experience doesn't usually come cheap for Championship sides.

It also cannot be understated just how influential Tanganga was at Millwall, and he helped transform a side that looked destined to be there or thereabouts in the relegation battle, finish in a comfortable 13th place.

The fact that Millwall have agreed a fee for the centre-back is a positive start, although it remains to be seen if the club can work out personal terms with Tanganga, who presumably won't come cheap on current Premier League wages.

It would be fantastic news for Millwall if they were able to secure his signature on a permanent basis, and would give the club and its supporters plenty to be positive about ahead of the 2024/25 season.