Yesterday, Millwall’s Neil Harris returned from summer break to prepare for next week’s transfer window.

After releasing Shaun Hutchinson and Bart Bialkowski, the Lions will be eager to sign new players on Friday, June 14.

All of last season’s loanees have returned to their clubs, leaving several openings to fill before the Championship season begins on 10 August.

The Den manager said: “At the moment, you look naturally at Bart and Shaun, who will probably leave this window.

After Japhet Tanganga returned to his original club, we need to reinforce our centre half position.

Our top-end innovation and goals may have been lacking last year, but we need competition elsewhere.

“Keeping key players fit is crucial during the season.

We must have enough possibilities since the Championship is a chaotic league with many international breaks and games to fill in.

Making ensuring there is competition at the top of the pitch will be crucial for us.”

Tanganga is a big goal, but Harris knows the Lions will have to compete to sign him from Tottenham.

He explained: “Discussions take place and I’ve been very honest since I’ve joined the club that I’m a big fan of Japhet. He knows that, everybody knows that because I’ve been so public with it.

“I would like to work with Japhet moving forward but there is a lot of aspects to it.

“We made contact with Tottenham and spoke to Japhet’s representatives.

“I’ve spoken to Japhet a couple of times over the summer already and we will stay in close contact.”

Harris added: “There is a lot for Japhet to consider during this window and that is not just in England.

“He is a very good player who is going to have options all over Europe.

“We will see how discussions continue and obviously we hope for a positive conclusion and an opportunity to work with him again in the future.”

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