Millwall’s pursuit of Ryan Leonard looks to be more difficult to complete the closer the loan deadline gets.

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon, Sheffield United’s demands are too high for the London club who are looking for another midfielder with George Saville expected to move to Middlesbrough.

Should the current Lions player leave, it will only be once a replacement has been found, and the Blades’ midfielder has been the primary target.

Neil Harris has held a long-term interest in the player since his days at Southend United.

The Lions boss lost out to Chris Wilder when trying to sign the midfielder in January, and have since re-ignited their interest in the wake of Boro’s Saville interest.

With the asking price a stumbling block, Millwall could now try and make a last minute approach for a Premier League midfielder with options limited ahead of the 5pm deadline this evening.

Millwall face Swansea tomorrow evening hoping to have all loose ends tied up before then.

The Verdict

Millwall are after Ryan Leonard again after missing out on him in January.

Game time has been limited at Bramall Lane, but with the fee too high for the Lions to pay, it’s a blow to any chance of bringing in a replacement before the window closes.

Neil Harris will not sell Savile if there is not a player coming in, so if there are no options for the Lions boss to deal with, then the former Wolves man will be staying put.

Football deals cause chain reactions and a filter effect that trickle down from club to club.

If a move for Leonard can’t be agreed the next option is a top-flight loan for the season, failing that, Saville will not be going, and it is as you were for the visit of Swansea tomorrow evening.