Mahlon Romeo has impressed in his season-long loan spell so far at Portsmouth.

The 26-year-old attacking right back has settled down very well on the South Coast and has gained admirers in the third tier as a result.

Pompey are on an excellent run of late and look destined to break into the play-off places at some point in the near future. However, losing Romeo as an outlet off the right flank would be a big loss in January but one that the Lions are considering.

Gary Rowett gave his thoughts on the situation when he spoke to NewsAtDen.

He said: "I think it might be an option (recalling Romeo), it’s whether we activate it or not. Danny (Cowley) has spoken about them not being able to afford to make the deal permanent. Well, maybe another club might be able to afford to make the deal permanent. We’re open-minded.

"We’ll see what the options are in January."

The Antigua and Barbuda international has made 221 appearances for Millwall although it would appear he will not manage many more considering Rowett's words. This puts Romeo in an interesting position ahead of the transfer window with plenty of clubs on the lookout for a player of his type should he become available next month.

The Verdict

 

 

It would be a little bit harsh to simply recall Romeo and sell him elsewhere given how well he is doing at Fratton Park. Romeo's contract at The Den runs until the summer of 2024, an insight into why Portsmouth are unable to make the deal permanent, but his performances this season and in recent years may see him admired by some Championship clubs.

The tone and the fact that Rowett has not mentioned the possibility of re-integrating him into the first team suggests that his playing days in South Bermondsey are more or less over and it is a matter of time before he finds a new permanent destination.