ARSENE Wenger has agreed to allow Millwall to sign young midfielder Craig Eastmond on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old was poised to join the Lions a fortnight ago before the Gunners boss decided to block the deal.

Kenny Jackett said at the time there was an outside chance Arsenal might rethink the situation and it appears the north London giants have done exactly that, with the highly-rated player set to pen a deal at The Den soon.

Lions chief executive Andy Ambler told News Shopper: “He is playing for Arsenal reserves this afternoon and I expect him to join us for the rest of the season afterwards.

“Arsene Wenger wanted to keep his options open and always said he would look again at the situation before the window closed.

“What I’ve noticed in this transfer window more than others are the number of clubs who are waiting until the end of the month before doing business.

“We’ve had a few deals - including this one for Craig Eastmond - lined up but then put on hold.”

Mr Ambler also confirmed Millwall will not be extending Danny Shittu’s stay at The Den following the end of his 93-day deal last weekend.

Shittu is now a free agent but it is believed mega-rich Championship leaders QPR are on the brink of signing him.

The Millwall chief executive added: “Danny’s contract expired on Saturday.

“We have a wage structure in place here and put a good offer to him but he decided to say no, as he is perfectly entitled to do.”

Millwall are at home to Barnsley on Friday evening, kick-off 7.45pm.

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