Rotherham United boss Paul Warne on the prospect of Chiedozie Ogbene signing a new deal

The Millers have tied down the Republic of Ireland international for the next year by exercising their option to extend his existing deal by 12 months.

But negotiations over fresh terms are unlikely to reach a positive outcome, Warne concedes.

“We have sat down with Chieo’s agent and put figures in front of him,” he said. “I don’t think we can get close to his agent’s expectations. We’re near to the top of where we can go.

“We’d love to keep Chieo for longer. His agent believes life is better elsewhere.

“Chieo enjoys playing here but at the same time he’s an ambitious kid. As things stand at the moment, I just can’t see anything moving on a new contract.”

The player, who starred in Rotherham’s League One promotion this term on the right flank and latterly down the middle up front, is content at the club and has no issue about seeing out the extension.

He will leave this summer only if the Millers receive an offer so substantial that they feel they can’t turn it down.

Swansea City are known admirers and at least one other Championship side are also keen on the 24-year-old.

Ogbene wants to play in the Premier League one day but won’t push for a move as he views a season in the Championship with Rotherham as a worthwhile progression in his career.

He expects to be part of the Millers party that heads to south-east Europe for a pre-season training camp on July 2.

Speaking at a visit to his old school in Cork, Ireland, this week, he said: “I will be with Rotherham in Croatia. We’re doing a week there to prepare for all the tests of the Championship.

“I’m quite happy at Rotherham. It’s quite special there with the success we’ve had in the last 12 months and the players who are there. The coaches have helped me to get into the national team.”

Swansea’s interest isn’t as strong as it once was now that Ogbene’s extension has been activated.

Their recruitment budget is limited and they may not have the funds needed to pay the fee the Millers would demand for the attacker’s services.

Ogbene spoke of a “a big club” like the Swans being an attractive destination but only in response to a question specifically mentioning the South Wales outfit.

He has been named in the Repblic squad for home fixtures in the Nations League next month.

The Irish face Ukraine on Wednesday June 8 and play Scotland on Saturday June 11 at the Aviva Stadium.