Rotherham United: Talks on-going with Brighton over Richie Towell move

Rotherham's pursuit of midfielder Richie Towell could go down to the wire after boss Paul Warne confirmed he is still in dialogue with Brighton.

The Millers have been chasing a return for last season's loanee all summer but have faced constant obstacles, not least Towell's wage demands.

Warne had been getting less and less optimistic about bringing the Irishman back to the AESSEAL New York Stadium, but with less than 72 hours of the loan window remaining, the boss revealed he is still working on a deal.

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Asked by the Star whether Warne could close the door on Towell, he replied: 'No, I don't think we can rule it out.

'We can rule him in as an option, for sure. We are still in dialogue, as we are in dialogue with four or five clubs on their player.

'It changes all of the time, it has changed three times already today.'

With the loan window shutting on Friday, Towell remains Warne's number one target, though he is monitoring several others.

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He would be reluctant to sign more than one on loan, however, as that would mean he would have six loanees when you can only name five in a matchday squad.

'I want one, maybe two,' he added. 'The problem is if you get two loans in it then takes me to six loans and I can only have five in a matchday squad which means I have to have a different conversations.

'If it was unlimited loans I would look for two, another attacking option and one in the middle of the park. It might just be one.'

Warne's recruitment plans take a backseat on Wednesday as he takes his side to Premier League Everton in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

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The Millers have not beaten top-flight opposition in a cup competition since seeing off Southampton in the FA Ciup at Millmoor in 2002, though Warne will operate with a 'complete rotation'.

And he is not expecting to face an easy challenge.

"I expect them to play with a real energy and a vigour and they will want a cup run this year,' he said. 'There a lot of teams in the Premier League who enjoy a good cup run.

'By not having played there for a long time does excite the fans and players. The lads will turn up and look forward to the challenge and it's game on.

'I just want the lads to go and enjoy playing at Everton, they might never play there again. They have to enjoy the atmosphere and tradition. You want everyone to enjoy it and if they perform to a level and have a right go then that is all we can ask.'