MILLWALL defender Josh Stephenson is set to complete his move to Brentford.
Versatile defender Stephenson captained the the Lions under-18 side as they won the Professional Development League Cup last season.
Stephenson was one of the stars of the competition as Larry McAvoy and Chris Perry’s side also reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup before losing to Leeds United.
Brentford agreed a deal for Stephenson in July but the move was delayed as the youngster had a back injury.
The parties have completed the paperwork and the Bees are set to confirm the deal this week.
Stephenson is expected to initially join Brentford’s B team.
Millwall agreed long-term deals with two academy graduates in the summer as Romain Esse and Alfie Massey committed their futures to the club.
Millwall had also offered Stephenson a contract.
While not specifically talking about Stephenson, Lions boss Neil Harris referenced young players having their heads turned when he discussed the agreement with Massey.
“He knows his pathways with us,” Harris said about Massey. “What we wanted to do as a football club is reward that and show that pathway, not just to him but to the other lads.
“We’ve had contractual issues over the summer where maybe some lads thought the grass was greener on the other side. Well more fool you – look at Alfie Massey.
“I gave him his opportunity, as I promised the young lads would get their opportunity when they deserve it. He has took it and signed a new three-year contract for the football club.
“He deserves it because I believe in him, we believe in him and we want to see him flourish.”
Millwall have seen several young stars picked off by top-flight clubs in recent seasons, after Darko Gyabi and Samuel Edozie moved to Manchester City and Zak Lovelace to Glasgow Rangers.
