Paul Warne on the prospect of Rotherham United selling Semi Ajayi

Boss Paul Warne is braced for interest in his centre-half is in the form of his life and earned his first international call-up with Nigeria earlier this season.

But, with Ajayi under contract until 2020, the Millers are under no pressure to cash in on the 24-year-old they signed from Cardiff City in January last year.

"We run a pretty tight financial ship here," said Warne whose side are at home to Swansea City in the Championship on Saturday.

"It's not like the chairman says we need to sell to make ends meet. It would have to be a real offer to tempt us. Semi still has a long time left on his deal. He still enjoys playing here. He's developed with us no end.

"Unless the offer was eye-watering, there is no reason to sell. We don't need the money. Either it's an offer we really can't turn down or he stays."

Ajayi played a major role in Rotherham's promotion to the second tier last term and has been an ever-present in Warne's side this season either as a central defender or holding midfielder.

"The best Semi is a formidable defender," the manager said. "His pace gets him out of trouble and he's got a real football intelligence. If everyone was fit, he'd probably be playing in my midfield. He's good with the ball at his feet and he can cover the ground.

"He's matured a lot over the last 12 months. He's stepped up to the level this season and I can't see why he can't step up another level, be it at the top of this league or the league above.

Ajayi didn't cost the club a fee when he arrived at AESSEAL New York Stadium but his value is well into the millions now.

"If there is a substantial offer in January, it won't be my decision whether we keep him," Warne said. "That's for the people above me. It depends what the offer is and whether it meets our valuation.

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"If the offer was above our valuation or it became a bidding war, a decision will be made then. As we're speaking now, we're just saying we think he's great; it doesn't mean everyone outside of our club does.

After 76 appearances, Ajayi is known to be happy with Rotherham who gave the 6ft 4in former Arsenal youngster a chance, initially on loan, when his career at the City of Cardiff Stadium stalled.

"Until Semi knocks on my door and says he doesn't want to be here, I don't see it being a massive problem," Warne added.

"We deal with him every day. We're close to all of our players. If an opportunity comes that is good for them and good for the club, I won't stand in their way, although it would be sad to see them go.

"Any club in the world apart from the top one or two has the fear they could lose their best players. Tottenham could lose Harry Kane in the window. These things happen all the time. I'm not losing sleep about it.

"If our players are getting interest from other clubs, we must be doing something right as a club. We'll take credit for that."

This article appeared in last Friday's Advertiser