Mills, 21, spent the majority of last season on loan at the Keepmoat Stadium and has played a key role in the club's promotion to the Championship.

Chairman John Ryan is now hoping to agree a fee in the region of £250,000 with Premier League City for the former England Under-19 international.

"I asked Matty on the Wembley pitch if he fancied staying with us next season and he said he would be more than delighted to sign," revealed Ryan.

"In reality, we needed to be a Championship club to sign him so we are hopeful that a deal can now be done," he added.

Midfielders Richie Wellens and Mark Wilson, striker Jason Price, and defender Adam Lockwood, will all go under the surgeon's knife in order to be fit for the start of next season.

Wellens delayed a hernia operation to play in the final few games while Price requires a minor ankle operation and Lockwood has been struggling with a foot injury.

Wilson was unable to play during the final stages of the season and also needs a hernia operation.

Demand for corporate hospitality at the Keepmoat next season, meanwhile, has shot up dramatically as a result of the club's promotion to the Championship.

Only two executive boxes are still available and there are no places left in the stadium's exclusive 'Premier Club.'