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West Ham United are scouting Millwall full-back Mahlon Romeo, per the Daily Express.

No player has made a direct move from the Championship club to the Hammers in the modern era.

What's the word?

Romeo has made over 120 appearances for Millwall since joining the club in 2015.

An Antigua and Barbuda international who has earned 12 caps, Romeo has been a fixture at right-back this season, with the club battling relegation from the second-tier.

Millwall are currently 20th but the 23-year-old is attracting interest from a number of clubs.

The aforementioned report claims that SPFL giants Rangers are also interested in securing Romeo's signature along with the Hammers, who appear to be seeking a replacement for Pablo Zabaleta.

HITC claim that he signed a new contract in the summer, meaning that both clubs will have to pay a fee if they want to acquire his signature.

The prospect of Romeo crossing the east London divide would shock many, given that such a transfer hasn't happened since the introduction of colour television.

Precious little chance

Millwall will surely resist any approach from the Hammers.

They may well end up in League One next term, such has been their poor form this season, but it is more likely that he will end up playing under Steven Gerrard come pre-season.

Even so, West Ham are perhaps right to poke the hornet's nest as they look to bring in a younger face at full-back.

Romeo has been the best of a relatively bad bunch this term and may jump at the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, Millwall will surely put up one hell of a fight.