Rotherham’s Midfield Search

Rotherham United are looking to add a midfielder to their League Two squad before the summer transfer window closes next Tuesday at 11pm. The club’s target is 24-year-old Josh Austerfield, who was a regular for Salford City last season but has since fallen down the pecking order at the Peninsula Stadium.

Alex Bruce’s Familiarity

Alex Bruce, who took over as Rotherham head coach in June, has a history with Austerfield. Bruce coached the player at Huddersfield Town before taking the hot-seat at Salford City. “Josh is someone I like. I’ve worked with him before,” Bruce said to the Rotherham Advertiser, though he declined to discuss any concrete offer.

Austerfield’s Recent Career

Austerfield joined Salford from Huddersfield Town in 2024. He made 25 appearances in his first season and 50 in his second, starting the club’s play-off final at Wembley where Salford lost to Notts County and missed promotion to League One. He has not yet featured for Salford this season, remaining an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup and missing the opening two league matches.

Salford’s Position

Salford City are believed to be willing to allow Austerfield to leave, but they may seek a fee for a player who has a year left on his contract. The club has already spent heavily this summer, signing former Rotherham midfielder Joe Powell, and Austerfield’s lack of game time suggests the club may be open to a transfer.

Potential Swap Deal

Earlier this month, Salford rejected a bid for Millers right-back Denzel Hall. That rejection raises the possibility of a swap deal, with Hall moving to Rotherham and Austerfield moving to Salford, though no such agreement has been confirmed.

Rotherham’s Broader Plans

Bruce has also expressed interest in acquiring another box-to-box midfielder, a striker, and a wide player in the final week of business. The deadline is Tuesday night, the same evening Rotherham are away to Tranmere Rovers.

Current Status

As of now, no concrete offer has been made. Bruce remains cautious, stating he does not discuss contracted players from other clubs until something concrete is in place. The transfer window will close at 11pm next Tuesday, leaving Rotherham with a tight deadline to secure Austerfield if a deal can be reached.