Paul Warne issues update on Rotherham pair linked with Sheffield Wednesday

Rotherham United boss Paul Warne is confident that at least one of Michael Ihiekwe and Michael Smith will remain at the club this summer amid interest from Sheffield Wednesday and other clubs.

The pair were central figures as the Millers finished second in League One in 2021/22 to bounce straight back up to the Championship but both are out of contract.

New deals have been offered to Ihiekwe and Smith by Rotherham but there are other clubs thought to be interested.

Wednesday have been linked with both the centre-back and the striker, while Derby County are said to be keen on the former.

With the start of the 2022/23 Championship season drawing closer, Warne has provided an update on the in-demand pair and revealed his stance on the situation.

Speaking on the BBC Moment of Truth podcast, the Millers boss said: “In regards to [Smith] and [Ihiekwe], I know they’re well thought of at our football club.

“We’ve done everything we can with the chairman’s support to try and keep them. I’m pretty confident of keeping one or both.

“I could’ve gone down a different route. I might get criticised for it but I could’ve literally said to them ‘It’s now or never. You ever sign it or we part company’ but I have a real tight relationship with both players and I understand their quandary.

“They’re at an age where this is their last big contract. They want to see what’s out there. And I didn’t want to shut the door on them and then they don’t get offers and I could’ve still had them so I’ve always left the door open to them.

“I’ve always been honest and candid. I spoke to them at least two or three times a week for the last two or three weeks. I’ve even sent them comedy video messages if I’ve had a drink, begging them to stay, but I think