Neil Harris has outlined Millwall’s stance on young prospect Josh Stephenson.

The 18-year-old won Millwall’s Academy Player of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign and played a crucial role in their FA Youth Cup run.

Stephenson, who can play as a centre-back or in midfield, captained wins against Coventry, Chelsea and also in the semi-final defeat at Leeds United, which saw Millwall’s run in the prestigious youth competition come to an end.

He has been linked to Everton, Brighton, Southampton and Brentford in recent weeks.

Millwall confirmed in their retained list at the end of the campaign that Stephenson had been offered a professional deal at the club.

“The game has changed over the last five to 10 years,” Harris told the South  London Press.

“Premier League clubs now are intent on buying young players.

“We had interest in our young players. That will always be the case at Millwall because we have some excellent players coming through our system.

“Josh is no different to that.

“What we will be very honest with as a football club, is that we will only sell any player at the right value where we feel we can get the right deal.

“If we don’t get the right offer, then it will go to a tribunal. If it has to be decided by that, then so be it by us.

“Josh is one that we really want to work with moving forward. But if any player wants to move on to pastures new, then we will make sure we will protect the football club.”