Millwall set to move players on before there is any more incoming transfer activity

Millwall could make one more signing in this transfer window – but the next activity is likely to be a couple of players leaving.

The Lions have made five additions to their squad in the close season.

There were three incomings last week with the loan signings of Benik Afobe and Daniel Ballard, from Stoke and Arsenal respectively, as well as the permanent return of George Saville.

Rowett told the South London Press: “I think you can see from the outside that we’ve brought in those five players so it makes mathematical sense that there are going to be one or two, probably, on the back of that who might have opportunities to go and play regular football elsewhere.

“It’s not something that is there at the moment, but it might well be.

“There will still be a little bit of balancing off with the squad, but the majority of where we’re at and the work is done. It might be that if one or two players leave then maybe we’re in a position at the end of the window to bring one more player in.

“I’m a manager – I’m always going to look for more signings. But at the same time I like the stability and feel of the group. I’m grateful for the work the club has put in to make the signings we have made so far.”

Rowett had previously spoken about a need to get deals across the line before the players reported back to pre-season training last Wednesday.

Afobe and Saville signed just after that, but were still sealed comfortably before the squad head up to Scotland later this week for a training camp and behind-closed-doors friendly against Motherwell.

“I’m really pleased [to get the deals done early],” said Rowett. “It’s not the be-all and end-all, but it’s nice to get your group together and have a few days training before we head up to the pre-season training camp.

“Some years you head up there with three or four players who might not be here, or three or four you might not have got in yet. All of a sudden you have got a swing of maybe six or seven places and you’re trying to work as though the season is about to start.

“It certainly helps to have the majority of the players in that we’re going to sign. We might end up doing one more if we get the opportunity. Realistically it’s a great starter for the window. We’ve got a chance to get work in and make sure the players are fully prepared for the start of the season.”