Ryan Oné set for Sheffield United exit as Rotherham boss admits defeat in transfer battle
Rotherham United have shelved their interest in Sheffield United striker Ryan Oné amid an expected move to Lincoln City.
Rotherham United manager Matt Hamshaw has admitted they have moved onto alternative targets amid Sheffield United striker Ryan Oné’s impending move to Lincoln City.
Oné is closing in on a switch to the League One promotion hopefuls and is expected to join them on loan for the remainder of the season, offering him the opportunity to try and store some regular first-team football under his belt.
The Scotland Under-21 international, who has made seven appearances for the Blades this season, had attracted strong interest from the Millers earlier this month amid their need for attacking reinforcements.
News of Rotherham’s interest in Oné emerged earlier this month and boss Hamshaw refused to dismiss reports linking him with a temporary switch to the New York Stadium, although he was particularly coy on the topic.
Asked how likely it was the Millers may sign Oné, Hamshaw, speaking to the Rotherham Advertiser, said: “He's a Sheffield United player.”
Pushed further on the topic of the striker, being asked if he is hopeful of being able to sign Oné, Hamshaw replied: “I'm hopeful of bringing some players in, yes.”
Millers shelve Oné pursuit amid anticipated Lincoln switch
The Millers have since strengthened their attacking ranks, swooping for talented Leeds United youngster Harry Gray, who scored his first goal for the club in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Northampton Town.
With Oné now set to join Lincoln for the rest of the season, Hamshaw, speaking after the victory over Northampton, confirmed Rotherham are now looking at alternative options ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday evening.
"One-hundred per cent, we still have targets,” Hamshaw told the Rotherham Advertiser. “I've said all along, we have to be on the front foot, but we also have to be realistic in terms of where we are - in the league table and things like that.
“I want people who want to be here, I don't want people who just come here because they think: 'Oh yeah, I'll play some games.' They have to want to come here and represent this club.”
As reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday, Oné is expected to join Lincoln until the end of the season. The Imps are currently second in League One, strengthening their promotion bid with a 3-0 win over Bradford City on Tuesday evening.
With the deal expected to be finalised before the weekend, the striker could make his debut when Michael Skubala’s side travel to Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon. The Imps are currently unbeaten in 11 league games.