Have Rotherham United put an offer to former Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp? Manager Matt Taylor gives the answer

MANAGER Matt Taylor has admitted for the first time that Rotherham United are in the running to sign Championship hot-shot Billy Sharp.

The veteran striker has been a prolific hitman in the second tier over the years and is available as a free agent after leaving Sheffield United following their promotion to the Premier League.

The Millers have put an offer in front of the 37-year-old and now it's a waiting game for them as the player weighs up his options.

“We're in the reckoning but there's competition,” Taylor told the Advertiser. “He's a player in demand. We've done the best we possibly can as a club and we'll see how it develops.”

The Millers are seeking to bolster their Championship squad with at least two new strikers before the September 1 close of the transfer window.

Sharp has scored more second-tier goals - 130 - than any other player and is past the 250 mark in a long career that has also encompassed the Premier League and League One.

The Sheffield-based player plans to make a decision on his next employers within ten days and intends on remaining at Championship level.

“I've spoken to a lot of clubs over the summer,” he said. “Some things haven't been quite right and some things interest me.

“I've had offers from all different leagues but the Championship is where I believe I should be playing.”

Reports elsewhere suggest Coventry City are among his suitors. Another second-tier side, Hull City, are believed to have cooled their pursuit. Derby County are also among his admirers but their third-tier status will work against them.

Taylor has other centre-forwards in mind if Sharp decides against making AESSEAL New York Stadium his new home.

“Until someone signs for you, you're always considering other targets in their position,” the boss said. “We need more than one centre-forward anyway. We're constantly assessing the market.”

The Advertiser understands French-born midfielder Christ Tiehi, on loan at Wigan Athletic from Czech Republic club Slovan Liberec last season, is a player on the Millers' radar but Taylor refused to confirm this.

“He's a player under contract elsewhere so I can't comment on his situation,” the manager said.

Tiehi played for the Latics against Rotherham in May.