ROTHERHAM United boss Paul Warne says he "desperately" tried to sign Will Smallbone on loan this summer, adding how Saints were keen to facilitate the move.

Midfielder Smallbone left Saints on loan to join Rotherham's Championship rivals Stoke City, where he has so far made four appearances in league and cup, two as a starter.

The 22-year-old, who has made 20 first-team appearances for Saints since coming up through the academy, suffered a serious knee injury in January 2021.

But he is now back fully fit and impressed for Saints in pre-season, before linking up with the Potters.

Discussing Rotherham's interest in the Republic of Ireland under-21 international, boss Warne told the Yorkshire Post: "We desperately tried to get Will Smallbone from Southampton and they were really convinced and wanted him to come here.

"But his agent and himself decided to go to Stoke and I am not sure if he has played there much or not, but it is the player's choice."

Rotherham, who were promoted from League One last season, have proven a good recent developing ground for young talent from the Premier League, such as Jordi Osei-Tutu and Ryan Giles.

"We can only try to represent the club in the best light we can and try to help the young players," said Warne.

"We have a good relationship with Arsenal - and did brilliantly with Osei-Tutu - and have a brilliant relationship and did really good with Gilo.

"We are possibly gaining relationships as a football club and coaching staff and that can only help in the future.

"But fundamentally, it is not the club that really decides what clubs they go to, it is the players and the agents. Until we can break that barrier, we might be limited.

"We are doing everything we can to make our club as attractive as we can."

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