Exclusive: How Millwall, West Ham rivalry impacts Andy Irving saga - according to Lee Hendrie | OneFootball

Andy Irving's links with a move from West Ham to Millwall have brought contrasting reports

Lee Hendrie sees no issues in the "controversial" talk surrounding Andy Irving's potential move across London from West Ham United to their bitter rivals, Millwall.

Alex Neil's side finished last season in extremely strong fashion yet finished on the periphery of the play-off places once again, and there is optimism that a top-six berth can eventually be achieved under the Scot, who provided previous promotion know-how at The Den.

It has been a mixed summer transfer window for the Lions though, with plenty of discourse focusing on the recently confirmed sale of Japhet Tanganga to Championship rivals Sheffield United, whilst Mihailo Ivanovic has been the subject of interest from Premier League sides such as Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, in a bid to add further sprinklings of top-flight potential and quality to a squad full of second-tier experience, it had been claimed that Irving was of interest to the South London side and could be available for a respectable seven-figure fee despite the rivalry which exists between the two clubs.

Hendrie sees no issue in a potential move from East to South London for the 25-year-old, although the aforementioned links have brought about contrasting reports.

Lee Hendrie issues verdict amid potentially "controversial" Andy Irving switch from West Ham United to Millwall FC

The one-time 'Tartan Army' international has only made 12 appearances for the Hammers since his switch from Austria Klagenfurt two summers ago, and with question marks over his long-term future in the under-fire Graham Potter's plans, Irving had been linked with the likes of Rangers and newly-promoted Wrexham, before Alan Nixon claimed Millwall were interested in his services.

Nixon's update claimed that Irving could make a move to SE24 either on loan or for £3.5m after rejecting a move to North Wales due to personal circumstances, although such rumours were quashed by Will Scott of Southwark News just hours later.

Amid the contrasting reports, Hendrie exclusively told Football League World that he sees no issue in this potential transfer, with there being plenty of players who have crossed the West Ham - Millwall divide over the course of history.

"I think the controversial rivalry will always come into play with clubs, but I'm not sure it's as bad as what it used to be these days," the former Aston Villa man told FLW.

"I think that this is an opportunity to play his football. I think, basically, if you've been at West Ham for a long, long period of time and you've been a firm favourite with the fans, I think that's when it would come into play a lot more," he stated.

"I don't think this would be a massive issue considering he hasn't really had the opportunities he would've liked when you look at the amount of appearances he's made for the Hammers.

"I don't think this will be a problem, and this could be a potentially good signing for Millwall," Hendrie claimed.

It remains to be seen if Milwall FC press forward with West Ham, Andy Irving move amid contrasting reports

It is clear that, for the benefit of his long-term career, Irving has to source regular minutes away from the London Stadium at this moment in time. Whether that is on a permanent or temporary basis, and with Millwall in the first place, remains very much up in the air due to the mixed reports which have recently come to the fore.

The former Hearts man would certainly add more quality, depth and steel into Neil's midfield, especially if he was to take the place of Billy Mitchell in the short-term, with the central midfield player suffering a quad injury prior to last weekend's 1-0 success against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.