Rotherham United: Alan Stubbs looking to continent for new Millers signings

The former Hibernian manager has already used his knowledge of the game north of the border, bringing in Falkirk midfielder Will Vaulks late last week for a fee thought to exceed £300,000.

And, after watching his side impress in last Saturday’s pre-season clash with Premier League Sunderland, he revealed: “We’re looking everywhere. We do want to get value for money if we can. With Scotland, there are some good players there and the prices are not as inflated as they are in England.

“We’re looking abroad as well. It’s not just UK-based players that we’re looking at.”

Vaulks sat out the unlucky 2-1 defeat against the Black Cats as he waited for Scottish Football Association clearance and should make his debut in tonight’s friendly at Scunthorpe United.

Stubbs is excited by what the 22-year-old could add to the Millers, who kick off the new season a week on Saturday at home to Wolves.

“I don’t think anyone would disagree when I say he was Falkirk’s best player,” he said. “He’s got good attributes. He’s young, he will only get better. It is a big step up for him, but it’s a step up we think he can cope with.

“He’s got great energy, he’ll work really hard for the team and he’s got a good range of passing. He’ll get forward. He’s not someone who will just sit in front of the back four.”

Stubbs expects to sign two strikers, and Rotherham - who are in talks with Tottenham Hotspur about a potential return for last year’s loan star, right winger Grant Ward - have also targeted a central defender and full-backs.

They are believed to be keen on Leicester City centre-half Liam Moore and were eyeing Liverpool left-back Brad Smith. But a £6 million Bournemouth bid for the Anfield 22-year-old is likely to see the Australian youngster head to the South Coast.

Stubbs wants to add to his four new recruits before the Wolves showdown, although he says some signings won’t happen until after then. The transfer window closes at the end of August.

Meanwhile, Vaulks, who was regarded as one of the top young talents in Scotland, is known for performing a back-flip when he scores.

“Over the last year or so, he’s starting contributing goals, which is important,” Stubbs added. “I hope to see his trademark celebration. I hope to see quite a few flips. I just hope he doesn’t get injured doing the flips!

AESSEAL New York Stadium had its first sight last Saturday of ex-Walsall right winger Anthony Forde who looked threatening in attack at times and produced some good crosses.

“Fordey in flashes did well,” said Stubbs. “He showed some nice touches. He was a bit loose in terms of possession in one or two things he did, which is okay. We can fine-tune that.”

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