Millers play the waiting game over loan duo

Brighton and Ipswich have given the green light for the Millers to keep hold of midfielder Towell and right-back Emmanuel respectively until the end of the current campaign.

And manager Paul Warne is happy with the agreements for two of his star performers over recent weeks, but is waiting until the summer before making more long-term decisions.

He told the Advertiser: “I don’t want to be disrespectful to Brighton, they’ve kindly loaned us their player and we’re giving him the game time we said we would if he played well, he more than deserves his place.

“We’ve spoken with Brighton and they’re happy for Richie to stay for the season.”

Towell has nailed down a position in the heart of the Millers’ midfield with his combative displays and his attack-minded passing and Warne would consider the option to sign the Irishman permanently if the opportunity arose.

“If we had a really successful season and won promotion then obviously I would try and keep him,” he added. “I will try and keep him anyway but he’s having a really good season and that might give him more opportunities.

“He’s Brighton’s player, his ambition was to come out and play loads of football and get back in Brighton’s team, and who can blame him for that?

“If I could sign him I would definitely do it. He’s been brilliant, he’s right up my street, a real good character and wants to win all the time.

“I think that will be one we revisit in the summer because Brighton are happy with how the relationship is going so there is no need to pollute the water.”

Emmanuel (19) enjoyed an encouraging pre-season with the Millers but fell out of the team after some shaky performances.

He is now enjoying an extended stint at right back after coming in for the 2-1 win at Blackpool. He has started the last six games, in which the Millers are undefeated.

Warne added: “Ipswich are happy for him to stay season-long.

“I think his performances have really improved in recent weeks so we’re happy for him to continue playing here.

“Josh has ambitions of getting in Ipswich’s team and playing in the Premier League one day.

“He’s an ambitious kid, he’s only 19 so I think at the moment he’s more likely to just be a season-long loan.”

Meanwhile, Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has today confirmed Rotherham target Kieffer Moore has expressed his interest to move from Portman Road, and that a deal should be concluded in the coming days.

On Thursday evening, Bradford stated they have made a 'substantial' bid for the 13-goal front man, who spent the first half of the season on loan at the New York Stadium, while Championship club Barnsley are believed to be monitoring his situation closely.

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