Paul Warne on potential bids for Rotherham United players and whether he thinks Michael Smith will stay

Championship clubs are admirers of striker Michael Smith and midfielder Dan Barlaser has also attracted interest from elsewhere.

Warne is hoping no-one leaves before next Tuesday’s 11pm deadline but acknowledges that offers may well come in.

“There’s always that possibility,” he said. “There’s always that chance with a Smudge, a Ben Wiles, a Chieo Ogbene, a Wes Harding, a Dan Barlaser. We’ve had clubs enquire about Dan.”

Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Cardiff City are all fans of Smith but their admiration has yet to develop into concrete bidding. The centre-forward is in the last year of his contract and has turned down a new deal but it would take a big offer to tempt the League One Millers to sell.

“With any player, if something does happen, it has to be right for the club,” Warne said. “Sometimes you just have to give the harsh truth to the player that an offer has come in but that this isn’t the window when we’re letting them go.

“At this moment, I don’t think anyone will leave and I might possibly get one in. I’m experienced enough to know, though, that things can change with one phone call.

“If there is an offer and a player wants to leave, I’ll take it to the chairman, discuss the pros and cons and get back to the player as soon as I can.”

One player who hasn’t been a regular starter has indicated he is ready to leave AESSEAL New York Stadium but there have been no firm developments.

“When players aren’t in the team or don’t feel they’re going to get in the team, their agents are always pretty keen to encourage them to go and play elsewhere,” Warne said.

“I’ve been really honest with the player. I’ve said: ‘Look, you know the script, don’t hide behind your agent. If you want to leave and you’ve got a club ready to pay your wages, come and knock on my door and tell me.’ He hasn’t come and said that yet.

“I’ve said to the lads, I don’t want any of them to leave. I’m not trying to force any of them out. However, I understand that they have to look after their own careers.”