Rotherham United's Matt Crooks set for Middlesbrough switch

MANAGER Neil Warnock tonight hinted that Middlesbrough are near to signing Rotherham United prize asset Matt Crooks.
Matt CrooksMatt Crooks
Matt Crooks

MANAGER Neil Warnock tonight hinted that Middlesbrough are near to signing Rotherham United prize asset Matt Crooks.

The midfielder is a known target of the Teessiders and has turned down an offer of a new contract at AESSEAL New York Stadium following the Millers' relegation because he wants to stay in the Championship.

Boro boss Warnock, speaking after his club's 2-1 friendly win over Saltash United this evening, said: "We’re quite close at the minute to getting a couple over the line this week.

"Crooks is one we’ve been talking about, but there’s a couple more we’ve been talking about too."

The Advertiser understands that Middlesbrough are the club that tabled a bid worth a potential £1.25 million last week.

Crooks, aged 27, who joined the Rotherham from Northampton Town in January 2019, is expected to undergo a medical in the North East later this week.

The player has only a year left on his deal and the Millers always knew he would leave this summer and that it was a case of holding out for the best price.

Boro's offer topped the money put on the table by League One Ipswich Town and another second-tier team.