Rotherham United offer Grant Ward chance of a return to NYS

Manager Paul Warne has put an offer to the 24-year-old winger, who made more than 40 loan appearances for the Millers in the Championship in 2015/16.

The Spurs-schooled wide man hasn't played since Christmas due to a cruciate knee ligament injury but Warne would love to have a fit and firing Ward back on board.

“I am a massive fan of Grant, I've always liked him,” said Warne, whose side play their first pre-season friendly against Parkgate at Roundwood tomorrow. 

“I like the way he plays and his ability on the pitch. He can also play in numerous positions.

Ward was released by Ipswich Town at the end of last season after three years at Portman Road, although he has continued to do his rehab there.

“He is nowhere near being fit yet  but he is available," Warne said. "I've put an offer to him and hopefully in the next couple of weeks we can come to a conclusion one way or another.”

Ward was released by Ipswich Town at the end of last season after three years at Portman Road.

With the new season a month away, the Millers have got the bulk of their summer transfer business done and made their sixth signing of the summer when young American defender Matthew Olosunde, formerly of Manchester United, joined earlier today.

But the club are also mindful of the need for replacements should anyone leave. Left-back Ben Purrington joined Charlton this week.

Warne added: ”We still need a goalkeeper and we want Grant Ward. We also need cover for Joe Mattock at left-back now Ben has left, but apart from that we're there.

“We're stronger up top than last year and we have options in the middle. It's just that if anyone comes in and swoops for one of our players then we need to be ready to replace.

“Offers for some of our top players might come in over the next couple of weeks but they'd have to be impressive offers for us to lose our best assets. At the moment there isn't anything that has tempted us, put it that way.”

A version of this article first appeared in the Advertiser