Romain Esse news: Crystal Palace, European interest, Millwall loan stance | OneFootball

Premier League club Crystal Palace have approached Millwall as they pursue the signing of Romain Esse.

Millwall winger Romain Esse is attracting interest from the Premier League, having enjoyed an excellent season in the Championship so far.

The 19-year-old has scored five goals in all competitions for the Lions during the first half of the campaign and that form has seen him be linked with a January move to the top flight.

Journalist Peter Smith has reported that South London rivals Crystal Palace have made an approach for Esse, with it growing increasingly likely that the Eagles could trigger a release clause that was included in the new contract the teenager signed earlier this year.

Millwall seemingly want to keep Esse at The Den for the remainder of the season, but with speculation around his immediate future intensifying, he may be set for a move away this month.

Crystal Palace have approached Millwall for Esse

Crystal Palace have made an approach to Millwall as they look to wrap up a deal to sign Esse this month, with the club concerned that they could face increased competition for his signature if they wait until the summer.

Last month, the Lions made it clear that they were not interested in selling Esse during the January transfer window, although considering that there is a release clause in his contract, the decision may be taken out of their hands.

Crystal Palace are not the only club that are interested in signing Esse, with The Standard reporting that other Premier League sides are also keen on the attacker, so it is clear to see why Palace want to get a deal done as soon as possible. Southwark News revealed that European clubs are also keeping tabs on the teenager.

The likeliest outcome at present seems to be that a club will meet Esse's release clause during the current transfer window, so the speculation surrounding his future is only going to increase during the coming days and weeks.

There is a significant release clause included in Romain Esse's contract

Esse signed a new contract at The Den in August following a good start to the 2024/25 season, with the official club website stating that he would remain a part of the squad for the 'foreseeable future' having put pen to paper.

However, when Crystal Palace were linked with Esse earlier in the season, it was revealed that there had been an eight-figure release clause included in the new contract that was signed by the talented youngster.

It seems as though Palace could be willing to trigger that release clause and sign Esse this month, in order to avoid facing further competition for his signature later in the year.

It has been reported that, if the release clause were to be triggered, it would shatter the previous record transfer fee that Millwall had received, although it still may not reflect Esse's true value as the club had to make a compromise in order to ensure that they tied him down to fresh terms.

Millwall are keen on keeping Esse for the remainder of the campaign

If Esse is to leave The Den this month, Millwall would prefer him to be sent back on loan to them for the remainder of the season, according to The Standard.

However, with Palace set to potentially be involved in a relegation battle during the second half of the campaign, they may want to make use of the teenager immediately, especially considering that it will cost them a substantial amount to sign him.

The Eagles have shown that they are not afraid to throw players into Premier League action after they have proven themselves in the second tier, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael OIise and Adam Wharton having thrived at Selhurst Park in recent years, so Millwall may struggle to convince Palace to send Esse back out on loan if he does join them.