Chris Taylor

Millwall open to loanee staying permanently

Millwall manager Neil Harris has revealed to the South London Press that he will explore the possibility of making Chris Taylor’s loan from Blackburn Rovers into a permanent deal this summer. The player himself has also spoken, and has admitted he would be open to such a move.

The 29-year-old is out of contract with the Ewood Park club at the end of the season and manager Paul Lambert is highly unlikely to offer him an extension. Taylor himself concedes that probability is quite likely, and being out on loan now gives him a chance of impressing others, most notably Neil Harris.

Harris has been impressed by the performances of Taylor since moving to The Den on loan. His fitness levels are constantly improving after struggling for regular game-time in the Championship this season. He completed 90 minutes last weekend and will be hoping for many more minutes before the season is over, which could include a play-off appearance.

Club legend Harris will discuss the chances of retaining Taylor in the summer and believes his experience of this league and the club as a whole makes him an attractive proposition,

“There is a chance in the summer to see whether there is a possibility of him staying longer.

“He knows the club and is out of contract in June. He will be looking to earn a new one, whether that is at Blackburn or somewhere else. He brings experience of promotion. We want to add players who are hungry and experienced.

“He will be the first to admit he has not played a lot of football this year. He was more surprised than anyone to have completed 90 minutes on Saturday. We will have to be very careful with him this weekend.”

Taylor is making plans for next season already and as he concedes his Blackburn career is probably over, it only makes sense for him to impress enough to earn a deal at Millwall, or possibly elsewhere. He firmly believes he can still play in the Championship, and ideally would like that to be with Millwall, but it isn’t a deal-breaker,

“Paul Lambert has said he won’t make any decisions on anyone until the end of the season. With me being out on loan, I would imagine my future is not with Blackburn.

“I will just have to work as hard as I can at Millwall and see what happens. Millwall don’t know what division they will be in next season yet. Being in the Championship would obviously be a lot better as I still believe I can play there. But if it has to be League One, that would not be a problem.”

Taylor has appeared for Rovers since February but has made himself firmly back at home in familiar surroundings in the blue of Millwall. He is sure to play a big part in the remainder of the season, in the hope of sealing a top six finish.

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