Georgie Kelly, the Rotherham United striker situation and the possibility of a new recruit in another position

ROTHERHAM United are ready to sign a new centre-forward if Freddie Ladapo makes a transfer-window exit from AESSEAL New York Stadium.

However, it won't be Irish hot-shot Georgie Kelly, the League of Ireland Player of the Year with whom they recently held talks.

With four frontmen - Ladapo, Michael Smith, Will Grigg and Josh Kayode - already on their books, the League One Millers couldn't offer the 25-year-old a deal and the free agent is now expected to sign for Plymouth Argyle.

Ladapo has requested to leave this month and promotion-chasing Rotherham intend to replace their record signing if another club meet their valuation of him.

There have been no offers so far and Warne hopes the 28-year-old, who cost £400,000 plus add-ons two and a half years ago, remains in South Yorkshire.

"If we lose Freddie, we are going to need to strengthen," he said. "But at the moment I have four strikers I am really happy with and I can't see that changing.

"If I did sign a striker (without selling Ladapo first), I would have to loan one of ours out."

Warne has one other area in his team in which he wants to strengthen and could possibly use the proceeds of Curtis Tilt's impending switch to Wigan Athletic to finance a new arrival.

The boss, who isn't publicly revealing which position, said: "If we sell Curtis we could use the money on someone, but only if it makes us better. If not, we won't spend.

"I can see all the other teams around us really strengthening and we haven't. But I don't think we have got  a lot wrong with us and I am not one to sign someone just for the razzmatazz.”

Meanwhile, attacker Kieran Sadlier missed yesterday's 1-0 win over Cheltenham Town because he was ill.

"It's not Covid, it's just an old-fashioned illness. They are still out there," Warne said.

It's too soon to say whether the 27-year-old will be available for Tuesday night's EFL Trophy quarter-final at home to Cambridge United.

Scorer Michael Smith, who ended the game wearing a head bandage and with blood running down his face after suffering a cut, is expected to be fit to face the U's.

"He's okay," Warne said. "I didn't believe he could get any uglier, but he has. He has a 'Phantom of the Opera' face."