Transfer round-up: Leeds, York City, Hull, Barnsley

Former Reading skipper Mills, who United boss Brian McDermott knows well from his days at the Madejski Stadium, is heading for the exit door at the Reebok Stadium, with Trotters chief Dougie Freedman keen to sell him to help raise cash to fund a summer recruitment drive - with West Brom defender Craig Dawson top of his shopping list along with former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford.

Mills is known to be keen on a move to Elland Road, although the major sticking point would appear to be his big-money wages.

Meanwhile, former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens is being linked with a return to the Keepmoat Stadium.

The 33-year-old is out of the first-time picture at Leicester City, who he joined in the summer of 2008 in a £1m move from Rovers.

Wellens is well known to new boss Paul Dickov, who played with him during a second spell with the Foxes from 2008-2010 - and the Scot is understood to be ‘very interested’ in signing him, according to reports in Leicester.

It is understood that preliminary discussions have already been made over a potential Rovers return for Wellens, who has a year left on his City deal.

The major barrier would be wages, with Rovers currently unable to match Wellens wages, with Dickov thought to be operating to a strict budget at the Keepmoat.

Meanwhile, Leicester keeper and ex-Leeds custodian Kasper Schmeichel has played down speculation linking him with Premier League newboys Hull.

On rumours regarding his future, he added: “I am a Leicester City player and still trying to get over what happened )losing to Watford in the dying seconds of the playoff semi-finals). I can wait, I am still young and it is nothing I am thinking about.”

Sheffield Wednesday, whose Jamaican winger Jermaine Johnson is expected to remain at the club, are to play Scottish giant Rangers in a showpiece pre-season friendly at Hillsborough.

The match will take place on July 24, kick-off 7.45pm, and will be the Owls’ sole home warm=up for the new season.

Wednesday are set to confirm the date officially after previously announcing friendlies against Hull City, Chesterfield and Scunthorpe United, managed by former Owls chief Brian Laws.

Sheffield United are continuing to interview candidates ahead of arriving on their new manager, with Michael Appleton - interviewed for the Doncaster Rovers job a fortnight ago - the latest name being mentioned as a contender.

Chris Morgan, former Millwall manager Keny Jackett - who has also spoken to Wolves - and ex-Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate have all been spoken to by the Blades board.

Barnsley are being linked with moves for Brentford’s Bradford-born striker Clayton Donaldson and Bristol City forward Jon Stead, a free agent following his recent release from Bristol City.

Tykes boss David Flitcroft is keen to bolster his forward ranks and is also keen on Sheffield Wednesday frontman Chris O’Grady.

York City will entertain Championship outfit Blackpool in a pre-season friendly at Bootham Crescent on July 20, kick-off 3.00pm.

Four days prior to hosting the Seasiders, who manager Nigel Worthington used to play for, City entertain Huddersfield Town on July 16 (7.45pm).

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