Rotherham United manager Paul Warne on Chiedozie Ogbene speculation

The 23-year-old has been a revelation since joining the Millers in August 2019, prompting speculation that he is on the radar of rival clubs.

But Warne says he has fielded no concrete interest in Ogbene or any of his leading players.

Warne, whose side visit Birmingham City on Saturday, said: "I am not aware of any interest in him.

"Apart from the fact that his performances are very good and if you watch him, why wouldn't you want him in your team. (But) We have had no phone calls and bids, agent tap and nothing to my knowledge. I have had no concrete interest in any of my players."

Warne confirmed he has had one or two 'polite sniffs' from some clubs enquiring about some of his fringe players who are likely to struggle for game time this season.

But he admits that the uncertain financial climate in football and a largely 'stagnant' transfer market is hampering the prospect of movement.

"There has been a few polite sniffs like 'can you send his videos of this game and that game.," Warne commented.

"There has been a few of those. Fundamentally, the players hold all the cards and if they want to leave and go somewhere else, they can. If they want to stay and fight, they can. But some of them might find themselves out of the 25-man squad and that is no position I want to see any of my players in.

"Some of my players who potentially do not see a route into the first team this season might go to another Championship club.

"More realistically, without being offensive, it will probably be to League One or League Two club, then they are budget-limited and squad side limited. The movement of players is very difficult at the moment. Everything is really stagnated more than I have seen before."

On his pursuit of long-time target Dan Barlaser, Warne also reported no significant update.

He added: "Nothing has really changed. We have not agreed a fee with Newcastle and we have not agreed terms with the player. He is still Newcastle player and I respectfully adhere to that and until otherwise, he is their player.

"As much as I like him, I like loads of players. I do not understand what all the smoke is on about with Dan as nothing is happening at all.

"I have my targets that I want. If I get them, great. If we don't, then no drama. It might end up that I get the left-winger I am after on the last day of the transfer window. If I get him, great and if I don't, then I won't lose sleep.

"There is not a cut-off point with any of my targets. I will not point deadlines on anything. But I am also pretty intelligent enough to know when I pushing a locked door and then pushing one that is."