Rotherham United: Millers out to seal deal for Bradshaw

The 23-year-old has turned down a pay rise at Walsall, who have “reluctantly accepted his transfer request, because of his desire to play in the Championship.

The Millers face competition from other second-tier sides but are believed to be in a strong position, having already made a bid, thought to be around £500,000, in their pursuit of the Welsh international who has hit 20 goals in each of his last two seasons in League One.

The Star understands Rotherham are also close to announcing at least one other arrival.

A Walsall statement said: “Tom signed an improved two-year contract last summer and the club have attempted to renegotiate a further enhanced contract in order to keep him beyond next season.

“However, Tom has made his desire to leave abundantly clear, stating that he seeks Championship football in order to enhance his international career.”

Bradshaw was a scorer for former club Shrewsbury against Rotherham at New York Stadium in a 2-2 League One draw on August 24 2013.

The Shrews sold him to Walsall for £20,000 at the end of that season and will benefit from a 20 per cent sell-on clause when he leaves the Banks’s Stadium

Meanwhile, Millers midfielder Joe Newell is making excellent progress in his recovery from ankle surgery at the end of last season,

New manager Alan Stubbs believes the left midfielder, who is already taking part in some training, could be ready for league action before the close of next month.

“Joe is doing great,” he told The Star. “He’s coming on really well with his rehab. If everything goes according to plan - sometimes you do get a slight setback - we’re looking for Joe to be back involved with us in terms of playing probably towards the end of August. That’s great news.

“He’s stepping up his programme daily. The physios are very, very happy with where he is right now.”

Newell is with the Rotherham squad in Poland, along with centre-half Aïmen Belaïd who is aiming to resume full training next week after a minor groin op.

“Aimen is doing well,” Stubbs confirmed. “We’re hoping he’ll look to join in full time on Monday when we get back.”

Free agent Ryan Taylor, who started Rotherham’s 7-0 win over Parkgate last Saturday, is expected to sign for Wigan Athletic.

The Millers’ home league match against Nottingham Forest, scheduled for Tuesday September 13, has been moved back to Wednesday September 14 because Forest are involved in a televised fixture on the preceding Sunday.

Click here for more Millers news