Dan Barlaser back for good with Rotherham United

The 23-year-old has been a long-term target of manager Paul Warne throughout the transfer window, after an impressive loan spell last season.

United were putting the final touches on the deal on Thursday, with an official announcement imminent.

Barsaler made 27 appearances for the Millers in League One last season, scoring twice and contributing five assists.

He played twice for Newcastle United this campaign, both times in the Carabao Cup, but with a regular first-team place not on offer, the path was cleared for Barsaler to return to Rotherham on a permanent contract.

“It wasn’t a hard decision and when he left, we always wanted to get him back,” said Warne.

“I thought he had a really good and influential season with our team last year, so it was a no-brainer.”

Warne admitted it was “bittersweet” to get Barlaser back to South Yorkshire, as he wanted to see the Gateshead-born player succeed at the Magpies.

“In fairness, it is a bit bittersweet. I really wanted to see him succeed at Newcastle, he has been at the club since he was nine.

“It had been a dream for him and his family for him to play in the first team at Newcastle regularly.

“I politely kept my distance, I was never on to him about coming back but when we got the green light to start a process we did.”

Warne has the majority of his squad available for this weekend’s visit of Huddersfield Town, with Curtis Tilt the only major doubt after suffering a minor ankle injury.

The Millers manager is delighted to have almost every player fit but admits team selection is made all the more difficult.

He added: “We have got Shaun MacDonald back as well, so he is like a new signing.

“The lads have started the season really well and the competition for places is there. It is good for everyone involved, apart from the bloke who has to pick the team.

“It is good to have when you have got three games in a week but I have got people at the moment who could walk into our team but haven’t been in the 18-man squad.

“I have got issues all around the place. I have got virtually everyone fit, which is good, but it does cause problems.”

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Thank you, James Mitchinson