Swindon Town enter battle for Jerry Yates as Rotherham United and Blackpool move closer to a deal

Yates bagged 14 goals in 35 appearances on loan at Swindon last season as Town won the League Two title and is ready to end his time with the Millers.

League One Blackpool were the first team to make an official offer. It was rejected around ten days ago but the Seasiders  remain favourites to capture the 23-year-old's signature.

Swindon have been promising to make their move for a fortnight and boss Richie Wellens told BBC Wiltshire: "Our bid went in to Rotherham. We’re waiting to hear back from them if it’s accepted and they’ll give us permission to speak to Jerry. Once we’ve heard any news from that, we’ll do our best.

"I’ve made no secret that he’s a fantastic lad, on and off the pitch. He’s a brilliant person to have in the dressing room and we’ve no (Eoin) Doyle next year. It’s an opportunity for him to be a centre-forward and see what he can do.

"I think the bid will get accepted and then it’s down to us what we can do with Jerry.

"The chairman has done his best and we’ve put a good bid into Rotherham where the payment plan is decent. We’ll see what they say."

The Millers and Blackpool have held further talks since the Seasiders' original six-figure offer was turned down and have moved closer to an agreement.

Yates has a year left on his contract at AESSEAL New York Stadium but is unlikely to feature for the Millers in the Championship next season and is ready to leave for the chance to play regular first-team football.

Having come through the youth ranks, he has scored five goals in 52 senior appearances for Rotherham.

He and Doyle, who has since joined Bolton Wanderers, formed a prolific partnership during Swindon's promotion push.