DONCASTER Rovers manager Grant McCann has confirmed that the club will receive a cash windfall following former captain Ben Whiteman’s £3m move from Preston North End to Championship rivals Wrexham.

The midfielder's transfer has triggered a sell-on clause inserted when Whiteman, pictured, switched to Deepdale in 2021. The exact amount is unspecified.

McCann said: “That's probably a question for Gavin (Baldwin, chief executive), rather than me. Obviously, that's a historical transfer, which I wasn't involved in.”

In terms of incoming business, McCann admits that Rovers – who sold winger Luke Molyneux to Salford City for a six-figure fee last month – are at their playing budget limit as it stands, but says that the picture could change if some players move on.

Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The future of transfer-listed winger Jake Middleton remains uncertain, with McCann still expecting him to move on in this window.

The Rovers chief, who has brought in nine new players in the close season, added: “I think we're probably right about there on our budget at this moment in time. But if one or two others move out and move on, it does free up room.

“And that's when maybe we'd probably look back into our recruitment and think 'do we need to replace?' But at this moment in time, it's not something we're actively doing.”

One of those players very much staying put is captain Owen Bailey, who has handed the club a massive boost by penning fresh terms.

Owen Bailey has signed a new three-year deal at Doncaster Rovers. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

The midfielder, 27, who has named in the PFA League One Team of the Season in 2025-26 and nominated for the individual award, has signed a three-year deal and he is now contracted at the club until the summer of 2029.

On his decision, Bailey said: “There's just a real good feeling around the place. There's a lot of work going on off-the-pitch to improve and obviously the gaffer has been massive for my development and my career.

“He made it clear he wanted to keep me at the club and he's done a lot for me and we had some good conversations. The club's been great for me and my family so long may that continue.

“I've really felt the love since coming to the club. It's a new thing for me because I'm not someone who really likes the headlines or having songs sung about them but it's a real great feeling how it makes me and my family feel loved.”