New faces at Rotherham United this week? This is what manager Matt Taylor has to say

ROTHERHAM United will have two new signings through the door by the time they play their next pre-season game if manager Matt Taylor gets his wish.

The Millers are pursuing a number of targets as they gear up for their Championship campaign and the boss is hoping they are on the brink of a breakthrough.

"I think we're pretty much guaranteed on one and we're close on a couple of loans now," he  told the Advertiser. "Going into the weekend, I'd like to have a couple more faces in the building."

Rotherham, who are in friendly action against fellow second-tier side Middlesbrough tonight, head to League Two Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

Taylor refused to confirm the position the anticipated new arrival plays in.

So far, the Millers have re-signed four defenders who were with them during last term's successful survival push - Lee Peltier, Sean Morrison, Grant Hall and Tyler Blackett - and also brought in two free agents, goalkeeper Dillon Phillips and midfield man Cafu.

Taylor says he has money to spend on transfers and revealed that bids have been made for several players who are under contract at other clubs.

"We're understanding of the market and we won't over-pay," he said. "If we pay fees, those players have to be mainstays in the team - guaranteed starters - and make us significantly better than what we previously were."

With opening day just over a fortnight away, the need for reinforcements is becoming more acute and the manager is keen to fill the club's five vacancies for loanees. The Millers are in talks with Premier League clubs and are also looking in their own division.

"The next two weeks are going to be massive in terms of the loans," the boss said.

Right-back Peter Kioso this week left AESSEAL New York Stadium to join League One Peterborough United on a year-long deal and the boss expects more temporary exits as new recruits come in.

"There's the potential for some of our players to go out," Taylor said. "The squad has got to start shaping up towards what we expect it to look like at the start of the season."

"There are people here who didn't get much game-time last season. They understand their situation going into this one."

That could signal departures for the likes of left-back Tolaji Bola and centre-half Jamie MCart.

Meanwhile, one of last term's loanees, winger/midfielder Tariqe Fosu, remains on Rotherham's radar after becoming a free agent following his exit from Brentford but no deal is pending.

"I'm sure we'll be in the conversations as Tariqe makes up his mind what he wants to do," Taylor said. "We're monitoring his situation and we're comfortable with where we are with Cafu coming into the building."

Portuguese midfielder Cafu is the most recent addition and is already making his mark on his new club.

He impressed as a substitute in a private match against Elche during last week's trip to Murcia, Spain, and is settling in well as he looks to build up his conditioning after a season of little football with Nottingham Forest and then missing the first two weeks of pre-season.

"This team is crying out for more control in possession," Taylor said. "He gives us that. He plays at his pace. He'll probably play high up the pitch as he develops more fitness and sharpness.

"If we can progress his game-time in the rest of the friendlies he won't be a million miles away come the start of the season. He's making good progress.

"I'm pleased with how he's fitted in with the group as well. He seems to be a good person, which is huge."