Rotherham United are set to lure defender Clarke Robinson to the New York Stadium with the lure of Championship football, beating Sunderland in the process.

The Sunderland Echo reports that 24-year old Robertson is keen to test himself in the second tier, which will see him switch to the Millers and snub Jack Ross.

Robertson becomes a free agent this summer, but played in League One last season with Blackpool He appeared 39 times and was named Player of the Season at the Seasiders

The decision will come as a blow to Ross, who sees his side return to pre-season training today. They're facing life as a third-tier club for only the second time in their history, but will now turn attentions elsewhere in the search for reinforcements.

Rotherham spent just one season out of the Championship following relegation 12 months ago. Paul Warne oversaw a top six finish, before they went on to defeat Shrewsbury in the play off final at Wembley.

The Verdict

Paul Warne is sensibly recruiting players he saw first hand in League One with a hunger to step up. There's no doubt the jump is significant, but who wouldn't switch Gillingham and Southend for Aston Villa and Birmingham?

Robinson was excellent for the Seasiders last time around and he owes it to himself to play as high as he can. However, it wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibility to see the two sides swap again in twelve months.

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