Ross Sykes to Millwall: What do we know so far? Is a transfer likely to happen?

Despite the fact that the transfer window is not set to open until after the culmination of the 2021/22 season, Millwall have already been linked with a move for an individual who currently plays his football in League One.

A report from journalist Alan Nixon earlier this week revealed that Accrington Stanley defender Ross Sykes is attracting interest from the Lions.

Sykes has made 35 appearances for Stanley in the third-tier this season and is a product of their youth academy.

Here, we have decided to take a look at what we know so far about this transfer speculation before assessing whether a move is likely to happen later this year…

What do we know so far?

According to Nixon, Millwall are keeping tabs on Sykes as they look to sign a replacement for Daniel Ballard this summer.

Ballard is set to return to Arsenal next month when his loan deal at The Den expires and thus his exit will leave Millwall relatively short of options in central-defence.

It is understood that Millwall will have to pay a fee to secure the services of Sykes due the fact that Accrington currently hold an option to trigger an extension in his current contract which will extend his stay at the club for another 12 months.

The Lions could face competition for Sykes from Middlesbrough who were linked with a move for the defender earlier this year.

A separate report from Nixon in February revealed that Boro were monitoring Sykes and his Accrington team-mate Toby Savin ahead of the upcoming window.

Is a transfer likely to happen?

Whereas Millwall may need to fend off Middlesbrough in order to secure Sykes’ signature, there is no reason why they cannot convince the defender to make the switch to London.

The Lions will be able to provide the defender with