Millwall manager Alex Neil has explained why the team swooped on Aidomo Emakhu at the close of the January transfer window.

The winger joined Oxford United on deadline day in a deal worth seven figures for the London club.

The Irishman was a regular for the Lions this season, starting 12 of his 27 Championship games.

Emakhu provided two goals and one assist as the squad pursued promotion to the Premier League, making this his most productive year for the club thus far.

However, he has been replaced by Tommy Watson on loan from Brighton for the second half of the season, following Emakhu’s move to the United.

Alex Neil talks out on Aidomo Emakhu’s signing to Oxford United.

Neil claims Emakhu’s contract status prompted Millwall to cash in on Oxford’s transfer interest on deadline day, implying they were unable to agree on terms for an extension.

He confessed that the London club hoped to keep the winger beyond the winter market, but that cashing in now made the most sense given the short time remaining on his contract, which was due to expire in June.

“We didn’t really want Aidomo to leave,” Neil told NewsAtDen.

“We’ve been discussing with Aidomo about a new contract, but we couldn’t reach an agreement. His contract was expiring, so he called me and spoke with me directly, and he wanted to go.

“When that happened, and we couldn’t reach an arrangement, and we weren’t going to get that money again in the summer, and his contract was expiring, it made sense from both his and our perspectives.

“I believe we got a great deal on him financially.

“Overall, I believe it’s only fair to the child when he requests to go and we can’t reach an agreement on the contract.

“It was best for both parties.”

Millwall is chasing promotion to the Premier League, and the squad is currently in a play-off spot, sitting fifth after 30 games.

The Lions are five points ahead of seventh-place Derby County and three ahead of sixth-place Wrexham.

Watson was one of three signings to the Championship side this January, along with Barry Bannan and Anthony Patterson.

Neil’s side’s next match comes against sixth-place Wrexham on February 7 at 3.01pm, as they look to get back to winning ways.

Millwall made a tough but fair decision in signing Aidomo Emakhu.

Emakhu was on a roll for Millwall, and this was his best season yet.

So losing someone of Neil’s potential at this point in his career was a setback since, at the age of 22, he still had room to grow.

However, he was on the verge of leaving the club for free, so cashing in and obtaining seven figures for him now is a solid business decision.

Watson’s arrival, albeit on loan, could at least somewhat compensate for his departure during the team’s promotion push.