Rotherham United expecting bids for Viktor Johansson

ROTHERHAM United are bracing themselves for summer bids for last season's Player of the Year, Viktor Johansson.

There have already been tentative enquiries about the goalkeeper who won his first senior Sweden call-up during the Millers' Championship survival campaign.

Manager Matt Taylor expects clubs to step up the chase as the transfer window progresses.

"Viktor is a man in demand," the boss said. "He was the best keeper in the Championship last season. He's one of the big reasons why we're still in the division.

"You can't win the awards and accolades he did last year and not attract attention, and his international recognition has increased his profile. Now he's known worldwide.

"We've fielded phone calls so far. Nothing concrete has come through on email."

Johansson signed a new contract in January and still has two years left on that deal so Rotherham are in a position to demand a substantial fee if they are tempted to sell.

The Millers have just signed former Cardiff City shot-stopper Dillon Phillips who has 79 Championship appearances with Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City to his name.

Part of their reasoning behind that was that they needed a shot-stopper with second-tier experience who could step straight into the team in the event of Johansson's departure.

"We expect that if Viktor continues his form with us and on the international stage there will be significant interest in him," Taylor said. "That is a process that will come to a head at some point.

"When it does, I want to be able to rely on someone already in the building rather than go out and seek an expensive emergency loan."

Meanwhile, keeper Jamal Blackman, who was a Rotherham loanee in 2020/21, has joined Burton Albion following his exit from Exeter City.