Need for striker could see Rotherham United end their interest in Premier League midfielder

The Millers have been tracking a 21-year-old at a top-flight club for weeks and were hoping to bring him to AESSEAL New York Stadium on a season-long deal.

But now they’re focusing all their efforts on adding another attacker to their League One squad before the close of the transfer window on August 31.

“I don’t think the midfielder move will happen,” said manager Paul Warne “You can have a 22-man squad, not including goalkeepers, and I’m close to a full complement.

“I don’t think the signing will be a midfielder. I do like a striker!”

Warne made two additions in the middle of the park last week: Ollie Rathbone and Hakeem Odoffin.

The boss has met with one particular strike target and wants him that badly that he is prepared to bide his time while the young player and his side come to a decision over a loan switch.

“I spoke to his club on Monday and they said they’re still monitoring the situation and will let us know when there’s a development,” Warne said. “He’s the best option for us so I’m prepared to show a bit of patience, although we can’t wait forever.”

Other League One teams have also registered their interest.

Rotherham, who travel to promotion favourites Wigan Athletic on Saturday, are lining up in a 3-5-2 formation this season and at the moment have only three strikers — Michael Smith, Freddie Ladapo and Josh Kayode — to service the two front positions.

Warne will turn to other frontmen on his wish-list if the loan move doesn’t go through but admits that he is so keen on his first-choice option that he has yet to instigate talks with anyone else.

“I haven’t spoken to any other targets, truth be told,” the manager said. “He’s our number one. If that doesn’t happen we’ll have to reassess. My budget doesn’t stretch to bringing in Messi, but there’s no doubt we need strengthening up top.”

Meanwhile, Warne reserved praise for winger Kieran Sadlier who made light of his lack of game-time since arriving at New York last summer with a wonder free-kick in the 2-1 home Carabao Cup defeat on Tuesday against Accrington Stanley.

“It was a screaming goal,” he said. “That was obviously the highlight of the night for us. I think at times, because he hasn’t played as much as he wants, Sads probably tries too hard. He just needs to settle down a little bit.

“He had flashes of brilliance. I’m really pleased for him. He’s a good kid, he trains really hard and he wants to play.”