Rotherham United will be plying their trade back in the Championship when the 2022/23 campaign gets underway at the end of July. 

The Millers, who secured an immediate return to the second tier via the automatic promotion places, have struggled to maintain their Championship status when they have been promoted in recent years. 

Paul Warne will be hoping that he can assemble a squad that is prepared for the rigours of England's second-tier this time around, following what was an impressive 21/22 campaign. 

Here, we take a look at two dilemmas that Paul Warne will face this summer transfer window as it nears its official opening...

Striker situation

Freddie Ladapo has already departed the club, with the experienced forward proving to be an important source of goals and final third cohesion over recent years. 

Adding to that, the future of Michael Smith remains to be seen, with Championship clubs and Sheffield Wednesday reportedly chasing his signature.

Smith has been offered fresh terms by the now Championship outfit but it remains to be seen what the immediate future holds for the club's talismanic figure.

The arrival of Conor Washington has already been confirmed for the Yorkshire club, which will certainly bolster Warne's attacking options, however, it is likely that the Rotherham boss will dip back into the striker market if Smith is to depart. 

Michael Ihiekwe 

Finding himself in a similar situation to Smith, Michael Ihiekwe sees his contract expire this month, whilst he is currently considering fresh terms from the Millers. 

Adding to the similarity of the situation that the pair are in, both are integral first-teamers who are in a position where the lure of a sizeable contract elsewhere could be too tempting. 

Ihiekwe has been an important figure within the Rotherham defence over the last few years and would be a big miss if he was to depart, however, his future at the Yorkshire club is uncertain. 

If Ihiekwe was to leave the New York Stadium, then Warne is likely to head back into the market for a central defender who is able to cut it at Championship level, all whilst considering budgetary restraints.