Staying or going? Curtis Tilt hopes he's going. Rotherham United boss Paul Warne gives an update

Earlier this week, the Millers manager was optimistic a deal would be struck that saw the centre-half makes a permanent switch to the Latics after three loan spells there.

A transfer remains close but there is no guarantee it will happen, leaving Tilt, who is desperate to return to the DW Stadium, in limbo.

Warne said: "I haven't got a magic wand that I can wave and he's like: 'Yeah, I feel amazing, Gaffer.'

"I know he's not going to be fully on board for a bit but he's a professional and I expect him to knuckle down and join in with the group. He'll soon be incorporated and welcomed back in."

Rotherham paid £100,000 for the defender two years ago and are looking or a return on their investment. The two clubs have been nearing an agreement during discussions this week.

Tilt was due to train with the Millers this morning for the first time since his loan recall last Friday.

He had been granted time away from the Roundwood complex on Monday in case he was needed to take part in negotiations and there was no training on Tuesday or Wednesday.

"I was pretty confident that something definitive would have happened by now, whether that be Wigan or another club purchasing him," Warne said.

"I now regard him as my player until I'm told differently and I'll get him ready with the rest of the squad for Saturday (Cheltenham Town at home). It hasn't materialised the way I anticipated."

The boss knows he faces a tough task keeping a wantaway player on board for Rotherham's League One promotion challenge.

"It's why you're called a football manager - you have to manage people," he said.

"That part of the job is probably greater than the tactics and getting players to run through brick walls for you.

"I will talk to Curtis. I do talk to him. I've been on the phone to him twice a day at least for the last five days. I explain it to him as honestly as I can. I don't make every decision at the club, quite obviously.

"If Curtis stays he, he knows I rate him as a player. We'll do everything we can to help him compete with the lads who are doing well."