Centre-half Adam Thompson becomes tenth summer signing for Rotherham United

The 26-year-old, who was a key figure in the Shakers' promotion from League Two last season, has agreed a two-year deal at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The Millers landed their man after seeing moves for four other central defenders, including Blackpool's Curtis Tilt, Leyton Orient's Marvin Ekpiteta and Sheffield United's Ben Heneghan, fail to materialise over the summer.

Northern Ireland international Thompson has been on Rotherham's radar for some time and Paul Warne is confident the player will handle stepping up a division.

"He played in virtually every game for Bury last year," said the manager who also expects a winger to join the club shortly. "He can play. He's aggressive. I've been trying to get him in for a while, so I'm pleased we've been able to see it through.

Bury have been on the brink of extinction, with owner Steve Dale unable to provide proof to the EFL that the club are financially viable, and have been given until 5pm today to secure their future.

"I feel a bit guilty talking about this deal," said Warne. "We got Adam on a free because of the situation at Bury. Not that we swooped in like a vulture or anything."

Thompson, the Millers' tenth new recruit since the end of last season, began his career with Watford and had a three-year spell at Southend United before his switch to Gigg Lane in 2017.

Warne, whose side are at home to derby rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup second round tomorrow, revealed that terms have also been agreed with a wide man who should arrive at New York this week.

That leaves the boss chasing one more attacker and a right-back to cover the injury absence of Billy Jones before the transfer window closes on Monday.

"Billy is struggling with his heel," he said. "My fear is that if that injury turns a bit chronic I'm then asking Matt Olosunde in his first year as a first-team player to play 40/50 games. It's too much to ask.

"I have to consider whether I need to sign another right-back. It isn't something I want to do. I don't really want to carry five full-backs and four centre-halves. It sounds like I'm the manager of Barcelona.

"At the moment, if something happens to Matt and Billy is unfit, I'm in trouble really. We're unlucky at the moment that two of our full-backs (Jones and left-back Trevor Clarke) are out."

There is a prospect that one of Warne's squad could leave on loan before next Monday's 5pm deadline.