Rotherham United face a battle with League One side Leyton Orient in order to sign Liam Gordon from Motherwell.

The Steelmen defender played a rotational role in their success this season, which saw the club finish fourth in the Scottish Premiership, ensuring they will enter the qualification stages for the UEFA Conference League.

Millers Press On With Planning

However, Gordon’s future at Fir Park has been cast into doubt, with the Daily Record reporting on their transfer page that two sides from England in Rotherham and Leyton Orient are ready to make a move should his contract talks fail.

The 30-year-old is currently out of contract as of the start of this month, but no news has arrived as to whether he will continue on at Motherwell beyond this campaign, in which he played 24 times.

Gordon moved to Lanarkshire in 2024 on a free transfer from St. Johnstone, who he had played for over the previous 12 seasons, with loan spells at Peterhead and Elgin City.

Rotherham are still facing an uncertain future with news that chief managerial target Ian Burchnall has turned down the chance to move to the New York Stadium, which would have reunited him with the Millers’ new sporting director in Steve McClaren.

Orient have been on the lookout for new centre-back options this window, having also been touted to move for fellow Scottish-based defender Kieran Ngwenya, but face stiff competition from Plymouth Argyle and Blackpool.

Motherwell have also been in pursuit of the Trinidad and Tobago international, and could use him to bolster the squad alongside Gordon, who is slated for a fresh round of talks with the Well next week.

Squad Refresh Needed For United

As former manager Lee Clark highlighted during his tenure in South Yorkshire, a major clearout of the playing staff was required for the club to compete next season.

Bringing in new faces with plenty of experience will be key to their chances as they head into League Two, and in that sense, Liam Gordon more than fits the bill.

A regular face in the Scottish Premiership for the best part of a decade, the 30-year-old has begun to fall out of favour, and despite having the prospect of European football if he comes to terms with Motherwell, he may fancy a fresh challenge.

While there may be competition for a first-team place following Stephen Welsh’s return to Celtic after a fruitful loan spell, the next manager at Fir Park may want a younger, stronger option such as Kieran Ngwenya to sit alongside club captain Paul McGinn.

Gordon will fit in as a leadership figure for Rotherham should they triumph in his securing his services, a role the club desperately need ahead of a much-needed shake-up this summer.