Rotherham United were reportedly interested in two Sheffield United players this summer but ended up signing neither.
Both Ben Heneghan and Conor Washington were on the Millers’ radar, according to the Rotherham Advertiser. Yet for different reasons, the deals didn’t happen.
They targeted Heneghan once it became apparent they could no longer sign Curtis Tilt. A £300,000 fee had been agreed for Tilt, but Blackpool changed their minds once new owners took over.
This left Rotherham manager Paul Warne searching for alternatives. A similar offer was made for Martin Ekpiteta but Leyton Orient refused to sell. They wanted to sign Zak Vyner permanently, but Bristol City preferred to send him on loan to Aberdeen instead.
That was when they turned to Heneghan. However, Warne could not give the defender the assurances he wanted of regular playing time. As a result, Heneghan returned to Blackpool on loan having enjoyed a similar spell there the previous season.
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Who else did Rotherham want?
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The other player was Washington, who technically was no longer a Blade having been released. The forward lasted just one year at Bramall Lane, making 22 appearances and failing to score a single goal.
Warne considered Washington but the 27-year-old’s wage demands were too high for the League One club. Instead the Northern Ireland international headed to Hearts.
The Millers were also keen on Stoke City youngster Tyrese Campbell, but eventually opted for Carlton Morris and Freddie Ladapo. Warne wanted pace upfront and secured the loan of Morris early on. Ladapo then arrived from Plymouth Argyle for an initial £400,000.
Both Heneghan and Washington were among a raft of Blades deemed surplus to requirements upon promotion to the Premier League.
Paul Coutts, Martin Cranie and Caolan Lavery were also released. Samir Carruthers joined Cambridge United and Fleetwood Town signed Ched Evans. Meanwhile, along with Heneghan a further four players have left on loan.
