Brentford look to close deal for Millwall prospect Josh Stephenson

Millwall prospect Josh Stephenson looks set to join Brentford.

The 18-year-old has been offered a professional contract by the South Londoners but he is in talks with the Bees.

Stephenson won the Lions’ Academy Player of the Season and was crucial to their run to the FA Youth Cup semi-final.

Everton were another Premier League outfit to show a strong interest in the teenager.

Millwall head coach Neil Harris told our paper earlier this month: “The game has changed over the last five to 10 years.

“Premier League clubs now are intent on buying young players.

“We had interest in our young players. That will always be the case at Millwall because we have some excellent players coming through our system.

“Josh is no different to that. What we will be very honest with as a football club, is that we will only sell any player at the right value where we feel we can get the right deal.

“If we don’t get the right offer, then it will go to a tribunal. If it has to be decided by that, then so be it by us.

“Josh is one that we really want to work with moving forward. But if any player wants to move on to pastures new, then we will make sure we will protect the football club.”

Millwall have had plenty of success with their academy in recent times and that has been reflected in the interest that then attracts from other clubs.

Manchester City swooped for Sam Edozie and Darko Gyabi although neither failed to make the step up to first-team level there.

The Lions were able to secure the coveted Romain Esse, 17 at the time, on a professional contract in January 2023.

Stephenson is now free to speak to other clubs with Millwall confident they made him a really attractive offer.

PICTURE: BRIAN TONKS