Rotherham United and the Home Office decision over Christ Tiehi

ROTHERHAM United are hoping the long-awaited announcement of the signing of summer target Christ Tiehi is now imminent.

The club agreed a deal with the midfielder's Czech Republic side, Slovan Liberec, several weeks ago and the French-born 25-year-old has been with the Millers camp since pre-season.

However, because the player doesn't hold a UK passport, rubber-stamping the move has been held up by the need for a work permit.

The Home Office were making their final deliberations yesterday and The Advertiser understands the Millers have made the extra financial commitment required to speed up the process.

They have opted for the “Super Priority” option to give them the best chance of having the player available for selection as soon as possible.

Rotherham believe they have presented a strong case and are very optimistic the transfer will go through.

“We'll get a decision within 24 hours of the Home Office meeting,” manager Matt Taylor told the Advertiser. “In theory, it should be straightforward.

“The solicitors we're working with have informed us Christ is in a good position to get the all-clear.

“Then it's a question of how quickly we can get things signed and international clearance finalised. I do expect there to be positive movement this week.”

Tiehi has a year left on his contract with Liberec and Rotherham are ready to pay a significant amount to acquire his services.

The price may exceed the £400,000-plus club-record fee that brought striker Freddie Ladapo to AESSEAL New York Stadium in 2019 but is likely to be officially announced as “undisclosed”.

The Millers can move swiftly to unveil their new boy if they receive Home Office clearance as all parts of the deal have already been finalised with Liberec and the player.

However, the need for international clearance will mean that any chance of Tiehi featuring at Sunderland this weekend will rely on the English and Czech Republic FAs ratifying the move quickly.