Paul Warne on Rotherham United's transfer hopes

The Millers chief, whose side visit Derby for a Championship relegation six-pointer on Saturday, envisages there is likely to be movement out of the club before any players come into the building.

Rotherham have tentatively been linked with moves for several players including Stoke City defender Liam Lindsay, Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp and former Blackpool forward Armand Gnanduillet.

Warne said: “I don’t think anything will be happening soon. Since October when we knew that the window was coming, I have always been saying that I did not expect anything to happen early in the window and I still don’t.

“There is not anything imminent. I am not trying to be sneaky. Players will leave, but there will not be players in for the foreseeable future.

“The massive thing is the whole nine substitutes. Two or three months ago, clubs were saying: ‘Yes, I think he will be available definitely’ and then came the rule change and no-one wants to let anyone go, really.

“I am not saying it won’t speed up because it always does. But at the moment, everyone is keeping their cards close to their chests. My phone has been the quietest it has been (so far) for any window in respect of phone calls from other clubs.

“All clubs need to reduce their squads to make room and the 25-man squad has definitely limited what you can and cannot do.”

“The significant thing that has (also) changed is loaning players out to clubs in League One and League Two. They are struggling financially and definitely don’t get the same return on the player as you did before.

“For example, you have got a player on ‘x’ and you want to try and get as much ‘x’ back as you can to reinvest and get another player in.

“Then, you may get a third of ‘x’ and you have to get a few players out to get one in. That is what I think has changed."

Meanwhile, Warne says that Freddie Ladapo, Clark Robertson and Shaun MacDonald could be involved at Derby if needs be, but not from the start.

He added: “They are all getting on terrifically. Freddie had a groin issue that has been plaguing him for a bit this season, to be fair. He has had an injection and he trained on Monday and Tuesday and so did Shaun MacDonald and Robbo. They are all looking really good, which is excellent.

“They have all come back in and fitted in straightaway.

“If you asked my physios, not much of a chance. If you ask me, a very good chance. Will they start the game? No. Could they play a part? Possibly. They will definitely travel with the squad and they are big characters in the dressing room.

“If there is an opportunity or need to put them on the pitch, then I cannot say why I wouldn’t.”