Rotherham United: Warne expects bigger clubs to come calling in January

The transfer window is in full swing and boss Warne is hoping to add a few fresh faces as a result of losing some.

He is wary of some of his loan players being called back to their parent clubs but is also concerned about bids as well.

Warne did not name them, but Salford have been known to be keen on a number of Millers players in the past, taking Richie Towell in the summer as well as bidding for Kyle Vassell and they have the financial clout to tempt any player into League Two.

“I wouldn't be surprised if rich clubs from leagues below come and try and nick our prized assets,” Warne said.

The risk of losing some loan players seems much more likely, with Daniel Iversen, Dan Barlaser, Jake Hastie, Carlton Morris on temporary stays.

Warne has already said he expects Hastie to stay, but the others could easily be taken back by their parent clubs.

“We always prepare for the fact that something might happen,” he admiteed.

“It wouldn't surprise me if any of my loans got called back. It would be naïve of me to go into this window thinking no one is watching any of my players and no one is thinking about them.

“For example, Dan Barlaser, if Reading are looking for a sitting midfielder who can pass and they are looking affordable, available, Newcastle might want to improve his standard of play.

“It would be no different if JJ (Kayode) at Gateshead, if Crewe phoned me up and want to take him would I bring him back from Gateshead and let him go to Crewe?

“Yes I would because from our point of view it's about his development.

“So I wouldn't be surprised if anyone gets pulled back.”

One of Warne's young players out on loan, Jake Cooper, has agreed to stay at Gateshead.

The central defender, who has been involved in the Millers first team this season, will stay on the north east until the end of April.

He has made four appearances for the National League team so far, having joined last month.