Tavernier interested in staying at Millers

The Bradford-born player, who has made just seven starts in his five seasons with the Magpies, will be out of contract next summer and is waiting to see what his future holds on Tyneside.

The 22-year-old proved a revelation during his loan spell with the Millers in the most rewarding campaign of his career so far and admits playing Championship football would be an attractive prospect, if he does not fit in the first-team plans at Newcastle.

Tavernier said: “I have got a year left and it is obviously down to Rotherham and Newcastle to have that conversation.

“But Championship (football) week-in, week-out would give you confidence and is a great level.

“The club have great backing by the chairman and board and will obviously add quality in areas they need to. It’s a club on the up with two back-to-back promotions and a progressive club who can go really far. I think they can make a real statement in the Championship next season.

“Regular football has brought the best out of me. It proved that with the more games I have had week-in, week-out, I am going to become a better player.”

Using a short run-up, Tavernier’s penalty in the shoot-out success over Leyton Orient in Sunday’s League One play-off 
final was coolness personified with his strike crowning a memorable day for the Yorkshireman.

He said: “ It feels like being top of the world. It has got to be up there in my career, along with making my professional debut.”

Mauricio Pochettino was last night appointed Tottenham head coach after quitting Southampton earlier in the day.