"Slightly strange" claim made on Japhet Tanganga's Millwall FC situation | OneFootball

FLW's Millwall fan pundit has given his verdict on Japhet Tanganga's future amid £1.2m Premier League release clause

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Japhet Tanganga’s future at Millwall has been the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer transfer window.

It was reported earlier in the market that a number of Premier League clubs were eyeing the defender, including Crystal Palace, as well as the newly-promoted trio of Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds United.

It has been claimed that the 26-year-old has a £1.2 million release clause that is active only for Premier League clubs this summer.

According to Sky Sports (17.29), the Lions have rejected an offer worth up to £3.47 million from Sassuolo as recently as last week.

Japhet Tanganga’s Millwall future

When asked if they’re fearful of a Premier League move for Tanganga this month, FLW’s Millwall fan pundit claimed that it will take triggering the release clause to get a deal over the line as the club won’t be interested in any negotiations.

He believes that the centre-back is key to Alex Neil’s side this season, as they look to push on in their promotion ambition.

“I think a bit of both, really,” Ball told Football League World.

“I think it’s slightly strange that no one’s come in by now with this kind of serious interest.

“Look, we’re not going to be interested in negotiating anything below that figure for a Premier League club, so you either meet the release clause or it’s not happening.

“We’ve obviously offered Tanganga a new contract, keen to keep hold of him, key to our ambitions this season as well.

“He looks to be over his injury niggles and issues that he’s had in the past, he’s one of the best defenders in the Championship throughout last season.

“Our record with and without him for the few games he did miss kind of spoke volumes about that, particularly in the early parts of the season.

“He’s got quality, still young enough to improve more as well and get back up to that top flight level certainly.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we do see interest, but I also think he’s quite content with the club, and if there isn’t interest we’ll potentially get him to sign a new deal this season, depending on how we go, and if play-offs and promotion look a serious option.

“Obviously, that’s the outcome we’re all hoping for but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Millwall won their opening league game on Saturday, earning a 2-1 victory away to Norwich City.

Tanganga’s low release clause is a danger

A £1.2 million release clause will be tempting for any Premier League side that’s in need of a centre-back.

Palace could be in the market for a Marc Guehi replacement, which could set their sights on Tanganga if he does go.

The three promoted sides are also going to want to strengthen their squads, so it’s no surprise they’ve all been linked as well.

If Millwall can hold onto him then it would be great business for the club, but that low release clause means there’s not much they can do right now to prevent a sale.