Millwall interested in loan deal for young Arsenal centre-back

Arsenal centre-back Daniel Ballard is believed to be the Premier League centre-back targeted on loan by Millwall.

The Lions are keen on adding another defender to their ranks with George Evans set to play in a holding midfield role last season.

Northern Ireland international Ballard, 21, made 28 appearances on loan for Blackpool last season as they won promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs.

In total he played 30 times for the Tangerines. He initially joined on a short-term loan in October and at the turn of the year his stay was extended until the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

Stevenage-born Ballard has been on Arsenal’s books since the age of eight and captained them to the final of the FA Youth Cup.

He has previously had a temporary spell with Swindon Town but an injury early on curtailed plans for him to spend the full 2019-20 season with them.