Millwall set to include loan recalls as two players poised to make exits before transfer window closes

Millwall manager Gary Rowett says there will be January recall options in any loan deals involving Alex Mitchell and Isaac Olaofe.

We broke the news that League Two side Leyton Orient are set to take 19-year-old centre-back Mitchell on loan.

Striker Olaofe helped fire Sutton United out of the National League last season. He is still working his way back to full fitness after sustaining a groin injury in pre-season.

Rowett said: “I’d absolutely love to keep Alex around and it is something I’ve considered really strongly. But I also think he’s at the point where he has done so well – even coming on against Cambridge he was so enthusiastic – that he looks like he is ready to go again.

“He probably now needs the chance to go and play 20 games. All loans will have a January call-back.

“Ideally Tanto [Olaofe] would have had some training opportunity with us. He’s not had the chance to do that. Realistically whilst I’d love him to hang around and see if he can get fit and in and around our team – I also think he’s done so well last season at Sutton, scoring the goals, that we need to keep that momentum going. The safest best for his development is to go out and play some games.

“It’s probably likely he’ll go out on loan. We’ve had quite a few clubs, ranging from League One to League Two that would want him – which is testament to how well he did last year in the National League. We’re looking at style of play and opportunities to play. We want the best possible place to go, it’s not just about going on loan – it’s trying to get the best fit for him to take the next step closer to our first team.”