Millwall boss describes transfer market as “ludicrous” – and promises Lions will do deals on their terms

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Neil Harris has underlined that Millwall will not be forced to do any transfer deals on other club’s terms.

The Lions made their second signing of the close season at the end of last week as they struck a loan deal for Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Ben Amos.

Millwall have been heavily linked with a move for Barnsley striker Tom Bradshaw, who sat out their 1-0 win at Salford on Saturday. The Tykes have headed to Hungary for a week-long training camp.

Reading and Hull have also been mentioned in connection with the 25-year-old, who only has 12 months to run on his Oakwell deal.

Harris said: “The market is absolutely ludicrous at the moment. There are some very, very unstable clubs out there, which makes it very difficult to compete.

“Clubs are chasing players and might bid £35million and then the next moment be under a transfer embargo. Football is a crazy world at the moment.

“We’ve enquired and made bids for players. The chairman has been unbelievably supportive in doing so – but it is very, very tough. We’re consistent in that we stick to what is best for our football club.

“All transfers have to be on our terms – no-one else’s. If not, then we move on – the message is clear.

“I’m really pleased with the squad and would like more strength in depth in one or two positions. Murray Wallace has been excellent since he came in. Once we get one or two in then I will let one or two leave on loan.”

Amos, 28, was a star performer for Charlton last season. And Harris has made clear it is a straight fight for the goalkeeping slot.

“Everybody’s position is up for grabs in pre-season,” said the Lions chief. “The form of some players in pre-season is outstanding and some are rusty and have got to find their way – they need to do it quickly if they want to play.

“The number one position is no different to number two, number three or number nine – they are all up for grabs to start the season against Middlesbrough.

“Ben certainly adds a fantastic pedigree. He had a great upbringing [at Manchester United]. He’s had some outstanding times in his career and then a couple of years at Bolton, for various reasons, that his face hasn’t fitted. That culminated in a loan move to Charlton, where he was excellent.

“There is an added benefit that he worked with Lee Turner [Millwall’s new goalkeeper coach] last year at Charlton. He knows his personality and qualities.

“He is a keeper who certainly has the capabilities and readiness to come in and fight for the number one position.”

Millwall have three senior keepers in their squad – and it remains to be seen if David Martin, 32, will look for a loan exit. He played the back-up role to Jordan Archer last season but could struggle to make the bench.

“If a goalkeeper wants to move and go and play some football then I have got no issue,” said Harris. “I am quite comfortable. I can only pick one goalkeeper to play and one to go on the bench.

“Ryan Sandford is not ready for the first-team but in years to come he will be. Tom King has got an excellent loan move to AFC Wimbledon.

“If we work with three goalkeepers, we work with three goalkeepers – I’ve got no problem with that. It is down to them to push to be number one.”