Zian Flemming noises sounds worrying for Millwall: View | OneFootball

Zian Flemming has been Millwall’s talisman this season in what has been a poor campaign overall.

Starting the season with Gary Rowett in charge, off the back of just missing out in the play-offs last season, he left in October after four years at the helm, with the club wanting to go in a different direction.

They then appointed former England U20 manager Joe Edwards, but he was sacked in February having failed to properly implement his progressive style of play on the squad, which had been built to play a completely different style under Rowett.

The Lions then brought back club legend Neil Harris - the man Rowett succeeded from in 2019 - who has managed to pull Millwall away from the bottom three, with a win at Sunderland on Saturday confirming they have retained their Championship status for another year.

But their failure to progress may lead to Flemming wanting to leave the club.

Neil Harris expecting movement this summer, with Zian Flemming stating he wants to play top-flight football

Flemming has done very well this season for Millwall, being their main creator and goal scorer, scoring seven goals and five assists, making him the club’s top scorer and assister so far, contributing to five more goals than any other Millwall player.

Last season Flemming had three assists but scored 15 goals, as Millwall lost 4-3 at home to Blackburn Rovers on the final day with their hopes of a top six finish falling at the last hurdle.

The Dutchman’s form for Millwall over the last two seasons could lead to interest in the summer from Premier League sides, with Harris telling London News Online earlier this week that he expects interest in Flemming this summer.

He said: “There was a lot of interest in Zian last summer and rightly so, off the back of the season he had. He hasn’t quite hit those levels this year – but the form of the team has been detrimental to some individuals.

“I expect interest in players over the summer – whether that is people wanting to take someone on a free, players wanting to leave or they [a club] want to come in and bid for our players…I’m sure they will. I’m sure Zian will be one that gains interest.”

When Flemming himself was asked about his own ambitions earlier this month, he told Dutch media outlet Soccer News that he would like to play at the highest level.

He said: “I want to play as high as possible, that won’t surprise anyone.

"Our common goal is to get promoted to the Premier League with Millwall. Unfortunately, we did not succeed last year and the same goes for this year.

"Plan B is then to make a move myself, but then the club must also get a nice transfer fee. Whether that will be this summer or later, I don’t dare say at this stage."

Neil Harris and Zian Flemming quotes sound ominous for Millwall’s chances of keeping him

Based on what Harris and Flemming have both said, it does not sound great for Millwall’s chances of keeping Flemming at the club for next season.

The attacking midfielder has taken to the Championship like a duck to water since moving from the Eredivisie, and has shown during his time at The Den that he may be too good for the club at the moment.

Burnley were interested last summer having recently been promoted to the top flight under Vincent Kompany, but were priced out of a move with Millwall wanting £15 million for the 25-year-old.

If Flemming does leave though, the club can demand a big fee, so they should be compensated very well for arguably their best player.

With what Harris and Flemming have said in the last month, a move in the summer looks likely - but the club need to make sure they get the right fee.