Bournemouth have reportedly joined Crystal Palace in the race for sign Millwall youngster Romain Esse.
The 19-year-old looks set to depart The Den before the February 3 deadline after being left out of the Lions' squad for their FA Cup victory on Monday night.
Millwall boss Alex Neil confirmed to the media that Esse's omission from the matchday party was due to the level of interest in his services during the current window.
The attacker made his debut for the Lions at the age of 17 in 2022 and has since featured in 66 competitive matches for the club, scoring seven goals.
According to Football Insider, a new Premier League challenger has entered the hotly-contested race for the signature of Millwall's Esse this month.
The report claims that high-flying Bournemouth are interested in securing the services of the 19-year-old, who has netted four times in the Championship this season.
It is understood that the Cherries are preparing to make an initial bid for the teenage star, rivalling top-flight counterparts Crystal Palace.
With Esse's current deal at The Den expiring during the summer of 2026, this calendar year could represent the final chance for Millwall to earn a significant amount from the sale of their academy graduate.
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Sheffield United submit bid for Leicester City, Stoke City star?
Elsewhere in the Championship, the performances of Tom Cannon have captured the attention of a plethora of clubs at the upper end of the division.
The 22-year-old is currently on loan in the Midlands at Stoke City from Leicester City, who are struggling to avoid an immediate relegation from the Premier League.
Cannon has impressed at the bet365 Stadium, scoring nine goals across 22 second-tier contests, including four in a single game versus Portsmouth in early October.
Now, as per Football Insider, Sheffield United have taken a major step towards potentially securing the services of the Irishman before the end of the window.
Promotion-chasing Blades have reportedly submitted an offer worth £7m to Leicester in an effort to bring Cannon to Bramall Lane.
It is currently unclear whether the Foxes would be willing to cut the striker's loan spell at Stoke short in order to sanction a permanent exit.
Cannon failed to make the cut for Enzo Maresca's Leicester in the Championship last season, starting just three of his side's 46 second-tier battles.
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West Ham targeting German prodigy?
Moving up to the Premier League again, West Ham United are looking to start a new era under the stewardship of former Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
According to transfer specialist Florian Plettenberg, the Hammers are already planning for their transfer business in the summer, with a certain name from Germany shortlisted.
It is believed that West Ham have closely monitored the progression of teenage centre-back Finn Jeltsch, who currently plays for Nuremberg in Bundesliga 2.
The Hammers are supposedly not aiming to sign the 18-year-old during the winter trading point, instead waiting until the summer to make a swoop.
Potter's troops are not alone in their fondness of Jeltsch, with other Premier League clubs and Bundesliga outfits aware of the defender's potential.
Carter White
