Rotherham United manager Paul Warne has admitted Championship outfit Middlesbrough are one of the clubs to show an interest in Michael Smith, speaking to the Rotherham Advertiser.
Boro may have paid £1 million to sign Uche Ikpeazu from Wycombe Wanderers this month but that doesn’t mean Rotherham supporters can rest easy, safe in the knowledge their star striker will be staying put.
Ikpeazu signed on the dotted line a fortnight ago but Neil Warnock’s striker search isn’t over yet. Not by a long shot.
Middlesbrough released Ashley Fletcher and Britt Assombalonga six weeks ago, while offers for Chuba Akpom will be considered too with QPR interested in the one-time Arsenal prospect.
Offers for 6ft 3in Smith are expected to roll in before the end of August, with Rotherham bracing themselves for bids.
Will Michael Smith leave Rotherham for Middlesbrough?
“It isn’t the case that Middlesbrough are his only fans,” said Warne, before suggesting the Wallsend-born 29-year-old won’t be going anywhere on the cheap.
“I think a lot of clubs in the Championship are his fans.
“We think the world of Smudge here. He’s been brilliant for us. I want him to have a good career but someone coming in with, like, £250,000 for him is never going to work.
“In the Championship, a lot of clubs are in a lot of trouble. I don’t dispute the fact clubs want him but I don’t know how many of them can actually buy him.
“I speak to a lot of people a lot of the time and I know Smudge is on a lot of people’s shopping lists. He is fundamental to our club and there’s no point offering a paltry amount of money to get him out of here.”
According to the Gazette, Rotherham want about £1 million for Smith. Would Middlesbrough stump up such a fee for a man who’ll be out of contract in 12 months’ time?
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