According to South London Press, Millwall have a permanent deal locked down for Derby County fullback Scott Malone ahead of his upcoming contract expiry.
The former Fulham man joined the Rams from Huddersfield Town in 2018.
Malone established himself as a regular under Frank Lampard, helping Derby reach the 2019 playoff final but he was absent with suspension in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
The 30-year-old fell out of favour under Lampard’s successor Phillip Cocu, and he later joined up with former Derby manager Gary Rowett on a season-long loan deal at Millwall.
Malone has been one of the Lions’ best performers this season, contributing with five goals and two assists in a more attack-minded wingback role at The Den.
MORE DERBY STORIES
Millwall have made no secret of their desire to sign him on a permanent basis.
And the latest reports from the South London Press claim the Lions have a permanent deal locked down for him with Malone’s contract at Pride Park set to expire next month.
Malone fell out of favour at Derby predominantly down to an overload at left-back.
Craig Forsyth returned from a third ACL injury to put himself back in the first-team picture, while Max Lowe returned from a successful loan spell at Aberdeen.
Lowe went on to feature regularly before moving to Sheffield United last summer, and fellow Derby academy graduate Lee Buchanan has since broken through.
Rams boss Wayne Rooney cited Buchanan as one of the best young players in the country earlier this season, and his emergence signalled the end for Malone at Pride Park.
Also see: Report: League rivals beat Derby to signing of 13-goal free agent, medical due today
Also see: Manager hints his side could lose bargain 22-goal Derby target to a Championship club