Former England right-back Danny Mills has given West Brom defender Nathan Ferguson a word of caution ahead of a potentially career-defining summer for the out-of-contract starlet.

What’s he said?

The 19-year-old’s £11m (add-ons included) move to Crystal Palace last week fell through after the Premier League side found a complication in his medical, one that would require surgery and subsequently rule him out for the remainder of the season.

Now it has been reported that their top-flight rivals Tottenham Hotspur have been mooted with a summer swoop from him, causing a tussle between the two teams.

As a result of recent events, Mills, who plays in the same position as Ferguson, has given him a warning.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said:

“He’s got to play well now, simple as that, the onus is on him to make sure that if he wants a move, clubs are interested.

“Clubs might be interested in now but if they see him not putting in the effort in the second half of the season, not playing as well, he’ll have fewer opportunities.

“You’re angry and disappointed but all you can do is come back, knuckle down, work hard, work hard for your club to get them where they want to be and if you do, rewards come, whether that be a new contract or that’s a move.” 

Danny Mills, ex-England international.

Summer saga

What remains of Ferguson’s future at the Hawthorns is questionable at best.

He has returned to training as a player who was merely a successful medical away from departing the club permanently.

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He’s also coming back as a player who requires surgery to resolve an ongoing knee injury that has suddenly appeared through tests.

And even as a player who didn’t accept a 20-fold increase on his current wages after the Baggies offered him a lucrative new contract.

Given Spurs and Palace’s interest in him, it would seem likely that a decision will be made at the end of the current campaign as he will have multiple career choices and can possibly look to resolve the injury during the off-season.

Calling all FA Cup experts: Name the season these historic giant-killings took place…

It’s down to manager Slaven Bilic on whether or not he utilises him between then and now, but expect some backlash following these recent comments from supporters.

And in other news, West Brom fans have slammed Oliver Burke this week…