Viktor Johansson contract extension is a 'sign of intent' by Rotherham United, says Matt Taylor

The Swede is one of five coming-off-contract senior players who have been speaking to the club regarding fresh terms and the 24-year-old is the first to commit and sign on the dotted line.

The influential trio of Chiedozie Ogbene, Ben Wiles and Dan Barlaser, who has been linked with a move to Middlesbrough - see their contracts expire in June alongside Wes Harding.

The club are understood to have a 12-month clause they can trigger in the contract of Wiles, who is sidelined with injury.

Johansson has been in outstanding form this season.

He joined the club in the summer of 2020 from Leicester City and has been an ever-present at league level this term.

Millers boss Matt Taylor, whose side visit Ipswich in the FA Cup on Saturday, said: “I’m delighted, we’ve been working really hard behind the scenes on several players and now, one of our player's of the season to date has agreed to sign a new long-term contract.

“It is great news for myself as manager, for the fans and for Viktor as well, it is a great reward for his performances.

“It is a sign of intent from the football club. We want to keep hold of our better performers and we want to start building a team around a consistent player, because he’s been outstanding.”