ROTHERHAM United manager Mark Robins completed his third signing of the summer last night when striker Tom Pope arrived in a club record -equalling £150,000 move from Crewe Alexandra.
Pope, 23, rejected late overtures from clubs higher up the Football League to sign a three -year deal with the Millers.
His capture offered a further statement of intent from the Millers who have already been installed as favourites to win promoti
on from League Two next season.
Robins said: "Over the last 12 months, I have received terrific backing from my chairman. We still have to work within our financial restraints but decent runs in the Cup and season ticket sales are helping."
Former Hull City winger Kevin Ellison and Sheffield United goalkeeper Jamie Annerson have already joined the Millers this summer and Robins still has two more signings in the pipeline.
Pope scored 17 goals in 32 league starts for Crewe after being spotted playing non-league football for Biddulph Victoria three years ago.
Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll wants Leeds midfielder Neil Kilkenny to move to the Keepmoat Stadium.
O'Driscoll is ready to move for the Australian international amid fears that Richie Wellens or Brian Stock will leave the club.
Former Birmingham midfielder Kilkenny, 23, was a target for Rovers two seasons ago but opted instead to join Leeds. He was out of- avour at Elland Road before Christmas but re-gained his place after Simon Grayson's arrival as manager.
Leeds want around £300,000 for Kilkenny who still has 12 months to run on his contract.
Sheffield Wednesday are hoping to sign striker Freddie Sears on a season-long loan from West Ham United.
Sears, 19, scored on his Premier League debut for the Hammers 15 months ago but has started only five games since.
Peterborough also wanted the former England youth international but Sears has been instructed to join the Owls.
Any supporter who commits to a 2009-2010 season ticket for the Owls will get a Premier League season ticket at the same price if the club are promoted in any of the next three seasons. Nearly 10,000 supporters have already bought season tickets but the Owls are aiming for a target of 16,500 before August.
Former Owls striker Lloyd Owusu has joined Australian club Adelaide United on a
two-year deal after being released by Cheltenham. The Ghanaian international, now 32, finished last season on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Sheffield United midfielder Lee Hendrie has admitted a charge of improper conduct and will sit out the start of next season.
Hendrie was sent off after the Blades' play-off final defeat to Burnley for using foul and abusive language to referee Mike Dean.
