Boss Matt Taylor talks free agents, loans and his Rotherham United recruitment expectations

MANAGER Matt Taylor is expecting Rotherham United's recruitment to step up a gear after a week without any incomings at the club.

The Millers have spent seven days training in Murcia, Spain, and are now back in England for the build-up to their August 5 Championship opening day.

They are in particular need of strikers and wide men and are in talks with a number of targets including Billy Sharp following the centre-forward's release by Sheffield United.

"We're certainly getting closer because any free agents are now three weeks into pre-season and behind (with their fitness)," Taylor said. "They won't want that to continue."

The last player through the door was midfielder Cafu who signed a one-year deal on July 8 and impressed during the Mercia trip.

Taylor admits Rotherham are "light on numbers" and was in daily contact with head of recruitment Rob Scott while he was away.

In addition to free-agent deals, the boss is planning to bring in several loanees and is also ready to sanction temporary exits from AESSEAL New York Stadium.

"Some of the fringe players from the last season or two can go out and explore some other opportunities," he said.

That could mean the likes of centre-half Jamie McCart and left-back Tolaji Bola will be playing their football elsewhere next term.

So far this summer, the Millers have brought back defenders Lee Peltier, Sean Morrison, Grant Hall and Tyler Blackett, who were all free agents after the expiry of their New York deals at the end of the season, Cafu and goalkeeper Dillon Phillips.