Evans exploring alternatives to recovering Becchio

The former Leeds United forward will return to full training at parent club Norwich City on Monday, having recovered from the serious heel injury that forced him to head back to Norfolk in October – just a month-and-a-half into his loan spell at the Millers.

Under the terms of his loan, Becchio is a Rotherham player until New Year’s Day and the Millers will speak with Norwich officials in the second half of next week to check on his progress with a return for the club’s festive programme still a possibility.

But with the situation fluid, Evans says the club have a number of other options to consider in the January transfer window if Becchio does not return, with recruiting another forward being the Scot’s top priority.

He said: “In the Championship, it is more difficult to get players because of the resources demanded – whether that be a fee if you are a Championship club, or whether that be salary and packages and all the other stuff that goes with it that have to be well thought out. But our chief executive has had a conversation with a couple of clubs and he is obviously also speaking to Norwich.

“Up until a certain day in January, he is our player, although he is getting his treatment elsewhere. There are other strikers we are very keen to bring here but, of course, that has to fit in.”

Evans confirmed that goalkeeper Scott Loach, who returned early from his loan spell at Bury for treatment on a calf injury, is likely to return to Gigg Lane before Christmas.

Loach’s loan at the Shakers runs until January 17 and he could move elsewhere on a temporary basis in the New Year, Evans confirmed.

The Millers boss admitted that the door will be open for a number of other fringe players to move out on loan in January.

He said: “None of the main core group (will go).

“We have put two or three out on loan and although Loachy (Scott Loach) is back with us because he pulled a calf muscle, we have got Rob Milsom and Richard Brindley out.

“The ones that are not getting around the match-day squad as we head towards the 2015 bells will perhaps have to move on.”