Exclusive: Millwall told to take Mihailo Ivanovic action - Sky Sports man thinks it is "important" | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has given his reaction to the news that Millwall are closing in on a new contract agreement with striker Mihailo Ivanovic.

Pundit Lee Hendrie believes it is important for Millwall to tie striker Mihailo Ivanovic down to a new contract after a summer of speculation over his future.

Ivanovic became Millwall's most expensive signing when he joined the club from Vojvodina last summer for a fee of £2.8 million, although they have broken their transfer record twice since then with the additions of Camiel Neghli and Josh Coburn.

The 20-year-old enjoyed an excellent debut season at The Den as he scored 12 goals in 37 league appearances to help the Lions to an eighth-placed finish in the Championship, while he also netted a further goal in the FA Cup.

Ivanovic's fine form did not go unnoticed, and he was reportedly the subject of a £7 million bid from Italian side Parma in the final stages of the summer transfer window, but that offer was rejected by Millwall, who were believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of £15 million.

Leicester City, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers were also credited with an interest in Ivanovic this summer, but the Lions managed to retain their star man, and as FLW exclusively revealed on Monday, they are now advancing in negotiations with the striker over a new contract.

Ivanovic is yet to open his account for the season, and he missed his side's 1-0 win over Watford on Monday night with a shoulder injury, but he could be set to commit his future to Millwall, with the club hopeful of reaching an agreement this week.

Lee Hendrie reacts as Millwall close in on Mihailo Ivanovic contract breakthrough

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie insisted that it is crucial for Millwall to reach an agreement with Ivanovic over a new contract after the rumours linking him with a move away this summer, and he backed the striker to rediscover his form after his slow start to the season.

"He proved last season at Millwall when he got 13 goals that he was worth every penny of keeping him attached to the football club," Hendrie said.

"There were links for him to move away as well for obvious reasons, not just his goals, but his front play and his link-up play.

"He's very suited to Millwall, and that's why you do feel that he's been really key for them.

"You do feel that getting him nailed down is something that Millwall will want to do after the links that were banded around, and you know that he's going to come back and start scoring goals because that's the kind of player he is.

"I think it's important they get him nailed down."

Mihailo Ivanovic contract agreement would be a big coup for Millwall

Ivanovic made an outstanding start to life at Millwall last season, and it was no surprise to see him attract interest from elsewhere this summer, but his £15 million valuation appears to have been a stumbling block for his suitors.

The Lions have cashed in on the likes of Japhet Tanganga and Romain Esse this year, but if they are to progress and achieve their goal of promotion to the Premier League, they will need to keep hold of their best players, so the club should be praised for taking a firm stance on Ivanovic.

With top flight clubs from England and Italy said to have been chasing him in the summer, it would be a big statement of intent from Millwall to tie Ivanovic down to a new contract, and they will be hoping he can reach the same heights as last season once he returns to fitness.