Manager Matt Taylor expects interest in Dan Barlaser as Rotherham United look to keep midfielder at AESSEAL New York Stadium

BOSS Matt Taylor has revealed that midfielder Dan Barlaser is one of the first-team men offered a new contract by Rotherham United.

Amid speculation elsewhere that Championship Middlesbrough are keen on signing the Geordie playmaker in the January transfer window, the Milers manager said today: "We feel he is one of the players we want to build a future with. We have been quite positive in early discussions and hopefully they will continue."

Taylor wouldn't be surprised if Barlaser has suitors in the second tier following the 25-year-old's superlative form this season.

"Dan has been a good player for this club for a while now and one of our better performers since I came here," he said. "He has been a stand-out and I would expect him to have interest because his performances have warranted that."

When asked if there had been any approaches for Barlaser or any other regular Rotherham starters, Taylor replied: "Not to myself or the head of recruitment."

The Millers, who return to league action on Saturday at home to Bristol City (kick-off 12.30pm) after the month-long international break, have put terms on the table to five members of their squad who are coming to the end of their deals.

They aren't specifically naming names, but Taylor admits it's "not rocket science" to work out who they are.

Attacker Chiedozie Ogbene, midfielder Ben Wiles, goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and defender Wes Harding are likely to be the other four.