Millwall have been dealt a blow in the hunt for a new goalkeeper, after boss Neil Harris hinted that one of their reported targets is no set for a move abroard.

Last week, Harris had revealed to the South London Press that they were close to completing the signing of at least one 'keeper, although that now appears to have hit something of a stumbling block.

Speaking to London News Online, Harris has now suggested that that deal may no longer be as close as first thought, with The Lions boss revealing: "Things are up and down all the time.

“We thought we were very close to a goalkeeper and getting it done – and then we were informed that he might want to go and play abroad.

“That was one we were very close on."

Discussing the identity of the player in question, Harris claimed: “It would’ve been a good coup for the club but it hasn’t materialised. That is the frustration and reality of it."

Millwall are currently without a senior goalkeeper after the release of Jordan Archer and expiration of Ben Amos' loan from Bolton, which was followed by the sale of David Martin to Premier League side West Ham.

The Daily Mirror (06/06,p57) had previously reported that Ipswich 'keeper Bartosz Bialkowski is a target for Millwall following the Tractor Boys relegation to League One, while Turkish outlet Fotospor have claimed that the Championship side are interested in 37-year-old Volkan Demeril, who is available on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Fenerbahce.

The verdict

This will be a big blow for Millwall.

Given their current situation, recruiting a goalkeeper has to be one of their main priorities, so it is something they will want to get sorted as soon as possible in order to focus on other areas of the squad, which will also need strengthening if they are to avoid a relegation battle again next season.

The latest news here is a setback in that process, and they will need to move on quickly one way or another so they can focus on that all important recruitment over the next few months.