Rotherham United are preparing for life back in the third-tier after their heartbreaking relegation from the Championship last month, despite bravely battling against the drop.

With this relegation, several players have left the club including Clark Robertson, who has signed for League One rivals Portsmouth. But manager Paul Warne is also eager to make some signings as they push once again for a place in the Championship - and from the looks of it - he could secure a few new players ahead of the new season.

The European Championships this summer has had a trickle-down effect for some teams in the lower divisions, with many top clubs reluctant to let some of their fringe players go yet due to potential injuries in the international tournament.

 

 

However, the Millers have just over a month to go before their opening game against Plymouth Argyle and they will need to get a shift on if they want a few players in and settled before August.

With this in mind, we take a look at three transfer stories involving the South Yorkshire side in the last few days.

Second Rooney bid to be launched

Paul Warne made a first bid of £200,000 for St Johnstone full-back Shaun Rooney - but that amount is believed to be short of the Scottish side's valuation according to the Daily Record.

As per the same outlet, they are now set to launch a second bid, totalling £300,000, although it is currently unclear as to whether St Johnstone will accept this offer or not. They are said to be keen on keeping the 24-year-old.

Rooney made 39 senior appearances for the Saints last season, scoring six goals and picking up three assists which is a tidy total for a man in his position - and he could be tempted by a move to the New York Stadium this summer with a view to competing in the Championship at some point.

Matthew Olasunde is set to leave the club in a couple of days after rejecting fresh terms in South Yorkshire, with Billy Jones also departing this summer so this move from Warne makes perfect sense.

Millers keen on Wing return

The League One side are also keen on bringing back Lewis Wing after the 26-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at the New York Stadium - but face major competition from Sheffield Wednesday according to Yorkshire Live.

However, a Football League World exclusive earlier this month believes Neil Warnock could use his interest in Rotherham's Michael Smith to negotiate a deal that could see Wing move the other way.

As per the same FLW report, Rotherham are keen on a reunion - but manager Warne acknowledges he may lose out on the Boro player to a Championship side - and Hull City's entrance into the race could put an end to their pursuit.

Either way, Wing's quotes in that Gazzette Live report seem like he wants out of the Riverside Stadium this summer and after enjoying his time with Rotherham, picking up two goals and two assists, the South Yorkshire side could potentially move for him again.

Ipswich to intensify Crooks interest

Midfielder Matt Crooks has been subject of much interest this summer already - and the East Anglian Daily Times believe Ipswich Town will step up their pursuit of the 27-year-old very shortly.

The Tractor Boys are currently undergoing a major rebuild under Paul Cook this summer and the Liverpudlian could make Crooks a key part of his plans going forward.

From the outside, this could seem like a strange move for the midfielder after he made 40 appearances for the Millers in the Championship last season and would still do well under Paul Warne - but Cook's rebuild and the excitement surrounding that could tempt the 27-year-old to Portman Road.

Derby County are also thought to be in the race for the Rotherham player, along with Peterborough United and Sunderland.