Millwall boss Gary Rowett wants to add youth and mobility to his squad

Gary Rowett has confirmed that Millwall were interested in signing Alex Mowatt – but reckons this transfer window has been a tough one to prise out their targets.

The Lions are expected to add Birmingham’s Maikel Kieftenbeld, 30, to their midfield ranks this week on a permanent deal.

Rowett is keen to bring down the average age of his squad but Millwall have had rebuttals from clubs who are not in a position to spend due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Millwall tried to strike a deal for Jayson Molumby but Brighton did not want to sell the Republic of Ireland international, who instead joined Preston North End on loan.

“I think we’ve made three bids for different young players – we are trying to bring some younger players into the group,” said Lions boss Rowett. “The group is not as mobile and young as we’d like for the long term.

“It is not about us as a club not paying enough money – no-one wants to sell young players. People need bigger squads for covid reasons in case they get three or four cases. There are more games in a closer period of time. People don’t want to let players out. Clubs are not spending money – they don’t want to let players go if they can’t get players in.

“John [Berylson, owner] has backed us to try and strengthen the squad. That is all we can ask. We’ve got to try and find a solution but also we don’t want to bring three or four in who we don’t want long term.

“It is a really tricky balancing act. It’s about trying to get the right players. I think the likes of Mowatt have been mentioned – that’s the level we’ve tried to be at. But again it is not quite as easy as just putting a bid in and getting a player.”