How many players are the Millers looking to recruit in January?

ROTHERHAM United assistant boss Richie Barker says he expects to see “between one and three” new signings before the end of the January transfer window.

The Millers have so far brought in striker Michael Smith from Bury, while loan forward Kieffer Moore and skipper Lee Frecklington have both departed for Barnsley and Lincoln respectively.

And although Barker wouldn’t be drawn on specific targets, he did confirm that if everything went to plan this month, he would like to see three new faces come through the door.

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Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s AESSEAL New York Stadium clash with Portsmouth, when discussing possible incomings, Barker told the Advertiser: “I can’t see it being more than three, but I can’t see it being less than one.

“Even the best laid plans at times don’t quite materialise. I can see there being one, in an ideal world that would be three, but that would probably be pushing the point of having too many players then.”

The Millers have this week been linked to a number of players, including Burton midfielder Matt Palmer and Sheffield United defender Ben Heneghan, while boss Paul Warne confirmed to the Advertiser yesterday that an improved third bid had been lodged for one midfield target.

And Barker believes that is one area that needs strengthening this window, although he would be "surprised" if any deal was completed before Tuesday's home clash with Bradford.

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He added: “At the moment Rich (Towell) and Will (Vaulks) are the two midfielders who are fit, available and doing well. They’ve played their part in a team that is seven games unbeaten.

“Obviously having Darren Potter unavailable for a few weeks is a blow because with Lee Frecklington moving on, we thought we had a really good balance with the four of them, now we’re down to two unfortunately, but that’s the way it is.

“Ideally we will be looking to bring one in in that position.”

Winger Alex Bray is training following injury but isn’t ready for first team selection yet, while Barker also revealed Jamie Proctor is back training on the grass for the first time since his possible season-ending knee injury against Charlton in August, although there is still no timeframe for his return. Richie Towell, who played through illness in the Oldham draw last weekend, has fully recovered.

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