Middlesbrough move for George Saville could spark chain reaction that sees Marvin Johnson leave
Boro target can only leave if Millwall get their man - and then a triangular flurry of moves may mean an exit for winger Johnson
Anthony Vickers
Boro's move for Millwall man George Saville is caught in a triangular traffic jam.
But if the handbrake is released it could trigger a domino effect that also sees winger Marvin Johnson leave for Sheffield United.
Tony Pulis is understood to want the Lions high energy midfielder wrapped up before tomorrow's loan deadline.
Boro are believed to be lining up an initial loan with an option of making that a reported £7m permanent deal in January.
But Millwall boss Neil Harris has said he will only sanction Saville's exit if he first gets in a replacement.
"George is one that has been linked with Boro a few times," Harris admitted. "There is an interest there, they do like the player.
"I feel I've got a 20/21-man squad. Anyone that leaves us then we have to replace. The transfer window shuts on Friday and it's very difficult to get people in. We'll only let anybody leave if we can get somebody in."
And the man he wants is Sheffield United's out-of-favour Ryan Leonard. The Lions are believed to be in talks over a £1m switch.
GeorgeSaville tangles with Jacques Maghoma of Birmingham (Image: Getty Images Europe)
Millwall tried to sign Leonard in January when he was at Southend but he opted for Bramall Lane instead.
But he has been unable to force his way into the Blades frame and has only played four games and so is available again.
The clubs are understood to be haggling over the fee with a seven figure sum being demanded.
Middlesbrough prepare loan swoop for Millwall midfielder George Saville after reviving interest in summer target
And if Millwall can seal a deal for Leonard then United boss Chris Wilder will firm up his interest in Boro winger Marvin Johnson.
And he too has been told he can only have his man when a replacement arrives.
That box could well have been ticked at Boro with the arrival on loan of Southampton man Sam McQueen, a left back who can also play further forward up that flank.
"It seems everybody knows about Marvin Johnson, so it's no good me trying to hide away from it," said the Blades boss.
"We have made an enquiry about Marvin. There is an interest from us on that and there are clubs who have inquired about players of ours who are not playing.
"We have to wait for other clubs to do business to allow us pursue what we want to do.
"We have spoken to Middlesbrough, there's been a couple of other enquiries from other clubs, and we understand that. Talks are ongoing.
"It's fair to say Middlesbrough have been in the market for a few players recently, and Tony Pulis is in the same situation as I am."
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At the moment all the mooted moves are delicately poised in a stand-off - although all three could come off.
"Between now and Friday there's going to be some twists and turns in the transfer window," predicted Harris.