Jed Wallace has admitted that Championship play-off finalists Nottingham Forest ‘tried to sign me in January’ ahead of a potential summer departure from Millwall, speaking to Not the Top 20 podcast.
How on earth do Millwall replace the seemingly irreplaceable?
That is the question facing Gary Rowett and co with Wallace’s contract expiring in July and, in truth, there is no easy answer. One of the most consistent and effective attackers anywhere in the second-tier, the former Wolves winger is perhaps the biggest reason why Millwall flirted with a top-six finish once again in 2021/22.
“The chances are he might not be here next season,” Rowett admitted after Wallace appeared to bid an emotional farewell to the Millwall fans on the final day of the Championship season.
“Big boots to fill.
“He’s been fabulous for me. He has got Premier League quality and, on a free transfer, there will be a hell of a lot of teams looking at him.”
Nottingham Forest like Millwall’s Jed Wallace
You can say that again.
West Bromwich Albion have already made their interest known with Baggies boss Steve Bruce a big fan of a man who contributed six goals and 11 assists to the Millwall cause this term (The Athletic).
Nottingham Forest may be tempted, too, having been quoted a staggering £9 million when they enquired about the 28-year-old a couple of months ago.
“Got to remember Forest tried to sign me in January!” Wallace quipped when asked to predict the outcome of Saturday’s play-off final between Huddersfield Town and Steve Cooper’s side.
“I think first goal is huge. I would say 2-0 Forest, with Davis to score off the bench.”
Wallace is not totally ruling out a new contract at Millwall but he does admit that, after recently celebrating his 28th birthday, he is desperate to prove himself on the biggest of stages.
Should Forest triumph at Wembley, Wallace would surely struggle to turn down a summer switch to the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest vs Huddersfield Town in the play-off final
“It’s an important time for me,” he adds. “I’ve been at Millwall six years now, which is probably rare in modern-day football. I’ve always appreciated them taking me out of the freezer at Wolves, when no-one else would have really wanted me.
“I’ve never lost sight of that and didn’t jump ship at the first chance (to leave). I’ve always loved my time at Millwall and if that carries on, I’ll be more than happy. We’ll just have to see what happens.
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“I think people think you just want to move cause you want to get an extra few quid in your pocket,” Wallace adds, referencing a transfer saga that saw him heavily linked with Turkish giants Besiktas.
“It’s not like that for me. If it was, I’d be on a flight over to Istanbul having lamb shish for breakfast every morning!”
“I want to have a chance in the Premier League. I believe I can do it, I want to play at the highest level I can.”
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