Sunderland promotion hero lined up for Championship return on loan
Championship side Millwall are plotting a loan move for Brighton winger Tommy Watson amid his struggle for game time since a summer switch from Sunderland.
Watson became a Sunderland hero at the age of 19 last year as he netted a playoff final winner against Sheffield United to send his boyhood club to the Premier League.
The Black Cats had already agreed a £10million deal to sell him to Brighton in the summer, but he has only made 10 appearances under Fabian Hurzeler this season, registering one goal and three assists so far.
Football Insider revealed before January that Porto were eyeing a move for Watson after seeing a loan approach rejected on deadline day in September.
He has only featured for 16 minutes off the bench in the last month, with sources telling Football Insider last week that Brighton are open to loaning Watson out soon, as Millwall now line up a potential approach.
Millwall are leading the race to sign Watson on loan
Millwall have impressed under Alex Neil in the second-tier this season, with Saturday’s 4-0 win over rivals Charlton seeing them move five points clear of seventh place in fifth.
According to a new report from Alan Nixon, via Patreon, the Lions are keen on a loan move for Watson, who is set to be sent out on loan in a bid for more game time.
Millwall are asking about a deal for the Seagulls winger, and while they face fierce competition for his signature, they are believed to be the frontrunners as it stands.
Neil could raid his old club as Anthony Patterson loan lined up
Millwall are clearly planning to make additions to Neil’s squad towards the end of this month, with no signings through the door as yet despite their strong position in the playoff race.
Sunderland goalkeeper Patterson has been heavily linked to Millwall in the last few weeks amid his own struggle for game time in the Premier League this term.
The 25-year-old stopper was a part of the Black Cats’ promotion-winning side with Watson last season, keeping 14 clean sheets in 45 appearances, but he has been ousted by Robin Roefs since their return to the top flight.
Millwall remain interested in a deal for Patterson as the 2 February deadline draws closer, and they could soon reunite him with Watson if both moves are completed ahead of the final stages of the campaign.