Cameron Humphreys and the prospect of new-deal talks with Rotherham United

ROTHERHAM United are planning to instigate talks with Cameron Humphreys in a bid to tie one of their top players to a longer contract at the club.

The centre-half still has two years left on his present terms but the Millers rate him so highly that they won't let his deal begin to run down before offering him a new one.

Manager Matt Taylor believes the defender, who came through the youth ranks at Champions League winners Manchester City and turns 25 later this month, has the potential to play in the Premier League.

“Cam is certainly someone we feel is an asset,” the boss said. "With all the players we feel are an asset we are opening contract discussions."

There is no exact time frame on proceedings and Rotherham will focus on bringing in new recruits in the summer transfer window before focusing on Humphreys' situation. “We don't need to start until a certain point,” Taylor said.

The former England under-19 international made 40 appearances in his first season at AESSEAL New York Stadium last term and was arguably the Millers' best outfield performer as he helped them secure their second-tier survival.

“Cam certainly impressed. He needs to back up that with another good season,” Taylor said. “He's only going to get better as long as he stays fit. I think he is good enough to play at the highest level.”

Securing Humphreys on a new deal would ward off potential suitors or allow Rotherham to demand a bigger fee for his services if they decided to cash in on a player they brought to South Yorkshire for a free transfer.

During his time at the Etihad Stadium he trained regularly with City's senior group and was coached by Pep Guardiola. He then spent three years in Belgium until the Millers brought him back to England last summer when his contract with Zulte Waregem had come to an end.

The ball-playing centre-back added a tougher edge to his game as the push for safety progressed and also became a big figure in the dressing room.

“He's got a fantastic personality and is someone we're pleased to have here,” Taylor said.

New-deal negotiations with midfielder Ben Wiles and Ollie Rathbone remain ongoing. Rotherham have exercised a 12-month extension clause to keep Wiles at New York and they also hold a similar option on Rathbone whose initial deal is due to expire at the end of next June.

“It's a private matter and talks will continue,” Taylor said.