Millwall manager Gary Rowett has suggested to News at Den that he will look to sign Derby County’s Mason Bennett in a permanent deal this summer.
Bennett joined Millwall on loan in January until the end of the season.
The former Rams academy prospect has opened the door to a permanent move by claiming he wants to perform at a level which forces the Lions into signing him.
And now Rowett adds the attacker can be an asset for Millwall beyond the summer.
From a playing of view, if I can get him to the Mason Bennett that I know, then I think he can really offer us something strong not just on loan but potentially permanently down the line. But, we’ve got four months to find out which one it’s going to be. It’s on him, really, to go and perform and like he said in his own words, make it almost impossible for Millwall to not want to sign him.
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Bennett came through the Derby academy and made his debut aged just 14.
The 23-year-old is the Rams’ longest-serving player. And last season he posted his best campaign with three goals and four assists in 33 Championship games.
But Bennett’s injuries have prevented him from having a bigger role. He has featured over 80 times for Derby, but only ever completed the full 90 minutes twice.
His popularity at Pride Park also dipped following his involvement in the drink-driving situation which prompted club captain Richard Keogh’s subsequent sacking.
A fresh start at Millwall could be good for Bennett. With his contract at Derby expiring in June, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him later join the Lions permanently.
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