Boost for Rotherham United in Duncan Watmore chase
ROTHERHAM United have fresh hope of landing Duncan Watmore after a major obstacle blocking their pursuit of the former Premier League striker was today removed.
The League One Millers are short on attacking options because of an injury crisis in their frontline and are ready to make a free-agent signing if the right player becomes available.
Manager Matt Hamshaw revealed to the Advertiser earlier this week that Watmore, without a club since leaving Millwall at the end of last season, is of interest.
However, the 31-year-old has been training with South Yorkshire neighbours Sheffield Wednesday from the division above and it was anticipated that he would finalise a short-term deal at Hillsborough.
That prospect is now off the table as the Owls this evening brought in former Southampton forward Nathan Redmond and reached the limit of two free-agent arrivals – agreed with the EFL – while they are in administration.
The way is clear for Rotherham to step up their interest and try to secure the services of a player who started out in the top flight with Sunderland and has spent most of his career in the Championship.
Hamshaw said on Tuesday: “Duncan's a player I've got a lot of admiration for. We'll just have to wait and see. What will be, will be.”
It is believed that Wednesday, who have also brought in centre-half Liam Cooper, have approached the EFL for permission to be allowed a third free agent but, so far, that hasn't been forthcoming.
That leave the Millers in an encouraging position to swoop for a skilful, creative performer, even though the amount they can pay in wages will be substantially lower than what Watmore could have earned in S6 had an offer materialised there.
The Manchester-born Middlesbrough old boy scored 12 times in 80 appearances during his two-year spell with Millwall.
Prior to his Wednesday involvement, he had been working out with Rotherham's third-tier rivals, Stockport County, but that was mainly to improve his fitness rather than try to earn a move to Edgeley Park.
Rotherham have no fit senior frontmen – Jordan Hugill had to play last weekend at Reading despite severe ankle bruising – and have been scouring the market for new blood.
They will be without the services of Sam Nombe, Martin Sherif, Kion Etete and Josh Kayode when they take on Wycombe Wanderers at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday.
Hamshaw is mindful that free agents are an injury risk and take time to get up speed when they haven't played competitively for several months.
He has spoken of maybe waiting until the January transfer window before strengthening his frontline, but that approach will change if Watmore signals his willingness for a stint at New York.