Midlands club reject Millers' approach

It is understood that the midlands club have rejected an approach from the Millers to speak to Smith, seen as one of the best young managers in the game. He has guided Walsall to their current second place in League One.

Rotherham are searching for a new manager following the departure of Steve Evans last week.

After Walsall's rejection, former Leeds United boss Neil Redfearn remains the leading contender for the Rotherham job while Hibs' Alan Stubbs could also feature on Tony Stewart's short list.

Redfearn guided Leeds clear of relegation trouble last season and helped bring through several young players who he worked with at the academy, but he was replaced by Uwe Rosler at the end of last season. Tony Stewart wants his new boss to develop a productive youth system at the club, with both Smith and Redfearn ticking that box.

The chairman has already said there is no official closing date for the position. The intention was to interview around six candidates and then invite two or three for a second interview.