Sign or we shelve the offer, Rotherham United tell Michael Ihiekwe

Club and player have haggling for since early September and the Millers say they will shelve negotiations if an agreement isn't reached this week.

They had originally expected an answer before last weekend but have given the defender and his agent a few extra days to reach a decision.

Ihiekwe's present deal is due to expire at the end of the season.

"I don't honestly know if he will sign," said manager Paul Warne after last Saturday's 2-1 home defeat against Oxford United. "I'm ever hopeful. I've spoken to the player again.

"We have reached the point where we can't go any higher. We have offered him a really good deal

"We should know at the start of next week. His agent has also been in touch. Icky is really keen to sort it out."

Ihiekwe is the only ever-present in Warne's League One side this season.

Rotherham say that if the 26-year-old rejects fresh terms they will focus on their bid to climb into the play-off places and postpone any further talks until later in the campaign.

Meanwhile, Warne is putting no time frame on a comeback for injured central defender Clark Robertson.

The Scot missed the U's match and could remain out of action for Wednesday's trip to leaders Ipswich Town and next Saturday's ASESSEAL New York Stadium clash with second-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

"He's been suffering with his groin," Warne said. "We had to pull him out of training last Thursday.

"We’re just trying to give him some down time to hopefully settle it down. Down time is terrible for a footballer. They can't do anything when all they want to do is train and play.

"He might come in on Monday and Tuesday and feel great but it's more likely that he won't."