On-loan Millwall defender Scott Malone has hinted that he could make a permanent move to The Den in the summer, saying he wants to pay manager Gary Rowett back for the opportunity he has given him.

Malone re-joined Millwall - who he previously played for between 2012 and 2015 - on-loan from fellow Championship side Derby County back in the summer transfer window, and has since gone on to make 26 appearances for the Lions this season, scoring four goals, including a stunning solo effort in their 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon.

The left-back's contract at parent club Derby is set to expire at the end of this season, and it seems as though Malone has given some thought to the possibility of extending his stay at The Den beyond this summer.

Speaking about his future beyond the current campaign, Malone was quoted by Derbyshire Live as saying: "I am out of contract in the summer…but I want to do everything to pay the manager back, really.

“He brought me in and gave me a lifeline. I didn’t play much at Derby. I just need to stay in the team – that’s my mentality."

Prior to his temporary move to Millwall in the summer window, Malone had made a total of 56 appearances and scored three goals for Derby, having joined the Rams from Huddersfield Town in the 2018 summer transfer window.

While Derby currently find themselves locked in a Championship relegation battle, Millwall sit 13th in second-tier standings, ten points off the play-off places, and seven clear of the bottom three.

The Verdict

You could understand it if Malone was keen on a permanent move to Millwall in the summer.

After a difficult time at Pride Park, it does seem as though he has settled well back at The Den, and it enjoying regular game time, which he will no doubt want to continue.

Indeed, having produced some impressive performances for Gary Rowett's side, and given the fact his contract situation means he could be available on a free transfer, you feel this could be something that appeals to Millwall.

However, the financial situation at Derby means it could be a blow to loose Malone for next to nothing, particularly with a number of other players at the club also out of contract in the summer.