Rotherham United close in on seven-figure deal for Exeter City hitman Sam Nombe

ROTHERHAM United are ready to smash their transfer record to bring striker Sam Nombe to the club before Friday night's close of the summer window.

The 24-year-old is close to joining the Millers for a seven-figure fee and his signing could be completed in time for him to be in the squad for Saturday's Championship home clash with Norwich City.

The amount Rotherham are prepared to pay League One Exeter City dwarfs their previous highest outlay, set less than a fortnight ago when midfielder Christ Tiehi made a £400,000-plus switch from Czech Republic side Slovan Liberec.

Millers manager Matt Taylor already knows the centre-forward well, having taken him to the Grecians from MK Dons in July 201 when he was boss at St James Park.

Nombe's capture is one of three deals Rotherham are hoping to wrap up before the visit of the second-placed Canaries.

It is believed South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley have also made a big offer for him but that he favours AESSEAL New York Stadium as his next destination.

The Croydon-born frontman began his career with the Dons and had loan spells at Luton Town, Maidenhead United and Oxford City before linking up with Taylor.

He blossomed at Exeter, scoring ten goals in 32 outings as they were promoted from League Two in the 2021/22 campaign and 17 in 47 appearances last term in the third tier. He has yet to get off the mark this season.

The bid to land him is a real statement of intent from Rotherham as they look to build on last season's Championship survival mission.

One of their existing attackers is likely to depart to make way for the potential new arrival.