Esse's move from Millwall to Palace edges closer

Romain Esse made his debut for the Lions as a 17-year-old in December 2022

Millwall winger Romain Esse's move to Crystal Palace is edging closer, according to Lions boss Alex Neil.

"There wasn't an issue," Neil said when asked if an injury ruled the 19-year-old out of their 3-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup third round on Monday.

"Crystal Palace have shown a lot of interest in Romain. I didn't make him available for the game and I think the situation is progressing and what I wouldn't do is put that at risk at this stage.

"If that changes then Romain will be back in the squad."

When asked if Esse's proposed move to Palace was more likely than it had been last week, Neil added: "Yeah, I think that's fair to say."

He has scored five goals and provided one assist in 25 games in all competitions for Millwall this season.