Millwall manager Gary Rowett has admitted that Jed Wallace may have played his last game for the club with Nottingham Forest interested in signing him on a free transfer this summer.
The winger's contract with the Lions expires in June, but he has not yet agreed an extension with the club. Speculation around his future has swirled over the past few months as a result.
A number of clubs have reportedly expressed their interest in the player, including the Reds. Burnley, Leeds United, West Brom and Turkish outfit Besiktas have also been linked.
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Forest were keen to get a deal done for the former Wolves man in January, but Wallace later revealed that he was "never that close" to leaving the London outfit. Steve Cooper might come in for him again when the transfer window reopens next month.
Rowett is holding out hope that Wallace, one of the star performers in the Championship in recent years, will remain at The Den next season. But when asked whether the 28-year-old's emotional applause for the Millwall fans on the final day was a sign that he is on the way out, he told the South London Press: “I don’t know. I think it’s him saying there is a possibility of (leaving the club)."
Given the ability that Wallace possesses, Rowett expects the Reading native to attract plenty of suitors for his signature considering there will be no transfer fee involved. He also suggested that he has what it takes to make it in the Premier League.
"He’s earned the right with his performances, over a long period of time. He’s earned the right to have options in the summer. He’s a top-quality Championship player who, I know, can play at different levels of the game.
“He’ll have options. It’s up to him. He has to make whatever he thinks is the right decision for him and his family.
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"I think he loves the club and he loves the fans. I think it will be a difficult decision.
"The chances are he might not be here next season. If he is, fabulous – that’s one less problem to worry about. But if he’s not then big boots to fill.
“Good luck to him. I gave him a big hug in there – he’s been fabulous for me. Whatever he does will be the right decision for him. He has got Premier League quality and, on a free transfer, there will be a hell of a lot of teams looking at him."
