January spending? Here's what Rotherham United boss Paul Warne has to say

ROTHERHAM United will concentrate on free transfers and the loan market as they seek to strengthen their promotion-chasing squad in the January transfer window, manager Paul Warne has revealed.
Paul WarnePaul Warne
Paul Warne

The boss believes money would be available for the right signing but admits the Millers are unlikely to spend.

"I don't think there will be permanent signings where a fee is involved. It will be frees and loans," he said.

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The Millers, who are in the League One play-off places, want to boost their attacking numbers and may also look for an addition to their defensive ranks.

"The January window is different to the summer one," Warne said. "In the summer you can sign players who you can improve and know will be good 12 months down the line.

"In January you're looking for players who can come straight into the 11. Your career as a manager is built on where you finish in the table, quite obviously.

"If we can buy someone where we have a dearth of ability it would be an option but, as I sit here now, I don't think that will happen."

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Meanwhile, centre-half Clark Robertson and midfielder Matt Crooks were due to see a specialist again yesterday over their sore groins.

Robertson has had an injection and Rotherham are keen for Crooks can avoid a similar procedure.

"We're hopeful he won't need the injection," Warne said. "It's not the best option to take. It might solve all his problems but it could create other ones.

"He's trained, he's felt good. His pain relief and exercises are kicking in. He and Robbo are going to go and see another specialist.

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"He's in a better place than he was three or four weeks ago, as is Robbo, but they're not pain-free."

The two trialists who appeared for the reserves in midweek were young players and not potential first-team signings.