Millwall in ‘advanced talks’ over Chelsea transfer as QPR confirm contract breakthrough
In your Friday Championship round-up, Millwall attempts a Premier League upset while QPR confirms a new contract deal. This summer, Millwall and Chelsea, a Premier League team, are in “advanced talks” about a permanent deal for defender Zak Sturge.
The 20-year-old made an impression in his five league games while on loan at The Den towards the end of the Championship season. Along with Josh Coburn, Ryan Wintle, and Calum Scanlon, Sturge was among the loan players that left the team at the end of the season.
However, it appears that the former Brighton man could be on his way back to Millwall. Sturge is unlikely to work his way into Enzo Maresca’s first team plans any time soon and his contract at Stamford Bridge is due to expire next season.
Millwall in ‘advanced talks’ with Chelsea
Instead of waiting a full year for a free transfer, the Lions are eager to sign Sturge this summer. This Thursday, journalist Nizaar Kinsella asserted that a deal is moving along nicely.
He stated: “Millwall is in advanced negotiations to retain Chelsea defender Zak Sturge on a long-term basis.” Everyone is anticipating a favourable result shortly. The contract of Sturge, who moved from Brighton in 2023, will expire in 2026. When Sturge made his debut, Millwall’s head coach Neil lauded him. “He did well,” Neil told Southwark News. Only a few times, he sort of popped that ball and ran past it before we grabbed it, demonstrating his obvious eagerness. Thus, there are a few minor aspects that need improvement.
“I thought he was competitive in the air. I thought you could see he’s athletic, handles the ball well. There’s nothing better when you’re a young lad that’s come in, got on the pitch and your team wins 1-0 right at the death so he’ll be delighted with that.”
Sturge has never made an appearance for Chelsea and is a former England under-18 international. He spent the first half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Peterborough United before being recalled by Chelsea in the January having made just five appearances.
QPR confirm Joe Walsh contract extension
Meanwhile, on the other side of London, QPR have confirmed a contract breakthrough with a first team star. Highly-rated goalkeeper Joe Walsh has extended his stay at Loftus Road.
The 23-year-old is seen as a future number one, despite playing second choice to Paul Nardi and, previously, Asmir Begovic in recent seasons. Walsh got a new contract last summer after joining QPR from Gillingham in 2021.
After reaching a new agreement, he informed the QPR website: “I was thrilled to learn about this during my meeting with Christian (CEO, Noury) and Sparksy (head of goalkeeping, Andrew Sparkes).” I’ve been here for four and a half years, and I’m eager to see what the future holds.
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