The state of play between Harrison Duncan and Rotherham United

The young centre-half is coming towards the end of his time in the youth ranks and has been offered a senior contract by the League Two Millers. Duncan has yet to make a commitment to remain at AESSEAL New York Stadium but the club are optimistic that an agreement is in sight.

“Negotiations are ongoing,” said new head coach Alex Bruce. “It looks like he's going to stay. He's a good prospect. I could see in the first couple of days of pre-season training that he's a good type.”

Duncan was spotted playing in the 11th tier of English football with Doncaster City and brought to New York during the managerial reign of Steve Evans.

The defender has only just turned 18 and many seasoned observers believe he has the potential to go a long way in the game.

A mainstay of the under-18 side for the last two years, he became Rotherham's youngest-ever starter, at the age 16 years and 130 days, when he played in the 3-1 Vertu Trophy win over Newcastle United U-21s in October 2024.

Since then he has made single substitute appearances in the FA Cup and in League One and has often trained with the first team.

The Millers players returned for pre-season training on June 29 and Duncan has been part of the group being out through their paces by Bruce, new assistant head coach Steve Agnew, coach Richard Wood and head of performance Ross Burbeary.

The youngster is big and aggressive and Bruce has liked that he has seen so far.

“Harrison has got a good attitude,” he said. “He would put his head through a wall, I think, if I asked him to. He's that type - a proper centre-half. I'm looking forward to working with him.”

Bruce and Wood were both centre-backs in their playing days so Duncan is in an ideal learning environment with the Millers.

“I'd like to think we can help with the defenders,” the head coach said. “It's the best part of the job, getting on the grass and helping players develop. I'm looking forward to doing that.”

Two other prospects - midfielder Cohen Lee and winger Dean Gardner - have also been offered pro terms after impressing in the youth ranks and breaking into the first-team frame last season.

Meanwhile, wide man Aaron Nemane is having a medical and the free agent could become a Rotherham player at some stage this week.

The 28-year-old Frenchman played 42 times for MK Dons as they were promoted from League Two last term.

Millers old boy Dan Barlaser has joined the Dons - managed by Paul Warne who brought the Geordie playmaker to New York in 2020 - after being released by Middlesbrough.