Rotherham United manager Matt Taylor keen to protect club's prized assets

Wiles and Rathbone have only a year left on their existing deals and could move for free when they expire, like the out-of-contract Chieo Ogbene may do this summer.

Clarification on where Wiles and Rathbone see their futures is therefore important, both in footballing terms and financial terms for the football club, and manager Matt Taylor wants to be proactive and make sure it has more control of the situation.

He said: “I'm a control freak, all managers are, in terms of what's safe and secure for the football club. It's about securing your assets, which is why contract discussions will happen with players who have just a year left on their contract.

“We want to make it right by the player and the club.

“Hopefully there will be positive news alongside new signings and that means existing players seeing the plan and the vision ahead and where we are trying to take Rotherham United.

“It's important we mention them as well because while (new players) will get the headlines and the exposure, our contracted players are the most important ones because they're our guarantees for next season.

“I'll be on the phone to some of those in the next few days and couple of weeks to make sure they're OK and fully focussed on what's ahead.”

Ollie Rathbone.

Taylor is interested in keeping defenders Lee Peltier and Tyler Blackett, whose deals are up, as well as Sean Morrison. The club has put an offer to Ogbene and contract discussions have been held with goalkeeper Josh Vickers.

Offers are “on the table” for individuals Taylor wants to move forward with but even though players are still on holiday and there was no massive rush for answers, he also indicated the situation could change should other targets become available in their positions.

“The rest is very much about recruitment,” he added. “Recruitment can drive you mad if you let it. It can also get you excited. One enjoyable aspect of a manager's life is building a squad and shaping it towards what you want to see on the pitch.

Ben Wiles.

“I'm constantly on the phone, constantly assessing the market and continuing the work we've done in the last six to eight months in terms of targets and where we sit in the pecking order in being able to speak to these players and put offers in front of them.

“Unfortunately, as often happens, this time of year is quite slow and frustrating but at least we are in these conversations and hopefully we are a realistic option for some good players.”