Millwall's deal for Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton is yet to be finalised with the race for the 22-year-old seemingly still on, according to a report from Leeds Live.

Yesterday, it was reported by Football Insider that the Lions had won the race for his signature with a deal thought to have been agreed between the Whites and the Lions, the second deal the pair have negotiated this summer following Charlie Cresswell's arrival.

As per Leeds Live, the Royals had led the race for Shackleton for a considerable amount of time with Paul Ince's side still in desperate need of more midfielders at the Select Car Leasing Stadium despite the arrival of Tyrese Fornah yesterday afternoon.

 

 

However, Gary Rowett's side have offered to pay a considerable percentage of his salary as part of a loan deal to take him to The Den, with the Berkshire outfit unlikely to be able to compete with that financial offer considering the restrictions the latter are operating with.

As part of the business plan they agreed with the EFL last November following their breach of profitability and sustainability rules, they need to abide by a business plan that has limited the amount they can spend on wages during this summer and throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

One bit of good news for them though is the fact a deal with the Lions is yet to be signed and sealed, potentially enabling the Royals to hijack this move and assert themselves as favourites to win his signature once more.

The Verdict:

The Lions are certainly willing to get their cheque book out this summer and perhaps that should come as no real surprise in their quest to replace Jed Wallace and ensure they are competing at the right end of the division once more next season.

They may already have a few midfielders at their disposal - but more depth would be ideal to provide competition and shake things up in the middle of the park - with Shackleton likely to be a starter if he did arrive in the English capital.

Also able to play at right-back, he could be a good alternative to Danny McNamara if the existing Millwall man was to pick up an injury, because there isn't too much depth in that area at this stage.

Similar applies at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, though he may be more needed in central midfield at this stage with Kelvin Abrefa possibly able to step up as a potential Andy Yiadom replacement.

Defensively, the Berkshire outfit were very poor last season and having someone like the Leeds man could potentially go a long way in ensuring they vastly improve their defensive record.