There has been a positive development regarding one of Rotherham United’s summer targets, as a deal creeps closer to completion.
The Millers are back in League Two as a result of their relegation last season, and have struggled to get themselves going so far – losing two of their opening three matches in all competitions and winning just one game since February.
Therefore, it is likely to come as little surprise that Alex Bruce’s side remain in the market to try and strengthen their squad as much as possible before next week’s deadline.
Rotherham target undergoes medical
Following their relegation from League One, Rotherham have undergone another summer of change with Lee Clark taking on the managerial position at Hartlepool United, whilst the club have been busy in the transfer window.
Experienced players such as Paul Mullin, Aaron Nemane and Tom Bradshaw have joined the Millers in the hope of trying to get them back into the third tier.
However, as reported by journalist Pete O’Rourke, midfield target Josh Austerfield is set to undergo a medical with the club after a deal between Rotherham and Salford City was agreed.
Austerfield was a regular member of the Salford squad in League Two last season, contributing to six goals in 46 appearances across all competitions and featuring for them in the play-off final against Notts County in May.
However, Salford themselves have undergone a busy summer thus far – recently adding Plymouth Argyle’s Brandon Wiredu and Doncaster Rovers’ Luke Molyneux – potentially pushing Austerfield further down the pecking order.
This argument is also supported by the fact that the 24-year-old is yet to feature for the club this season, having missed both league matches and being an unused substitute during their EFL Cup defeat to Shrewsbury Town.
A further update from Pete O’Rourke has confirmed Austerfield will join Rotherham on a permanent contract, signing a three-year contract with the club.
What will Austerfield bring to the Millers?
Austerfield is a relatively experienced League Two midfielder, having featured for the likes of Harrogate Town, Crewe Alexandra, Morecambe and Salford City thus far.
Against York, Rotherham’s two midfielders (Brandon Cover and Ossama Ashley) were relatively inexperienced at League Two level and the addition of a knowledgeable midfielder into that mix, as well as one that can contribute in the final third should help the Millers to turn their fortunes around.
Similarly, Austerfield’s arrival will bring a new lease of confidence into the middle of the park, going into their fixture against Chesterfield at the weekend.
Their final match in League One was the last time a midfielder scored for the club, also suggesting that the club felt they needed further attacking qualities from midfield, someone to create opportunities and spread the play but also pop up with efforts of their own.
