Rotherham United: Paul Warne leaves door open for Charlton loanee Ben Purrington at New York

Purrington has never really been in Warne's plans at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, despite his £300,000 move early into the manager's spell as caretaker – which came as a recommendation of former head of recruitment Jamie Johnson.

The left-back has spent the season out on loan, initially joining AFC Wimbledon in the summer before moving up League One to Charlton.

He has been a big hit in south London and has been part of the Addicks team which have one foot in the play-off final at Wembley, following their semi-final first-leg win at Doncaster on Sunday.

The 22-year-old still has one year left on his deal in South Yorkshire and he will have the chance to come back north and fight for his place if he chooses.

“If he wants to come back and compete, then that is absolutely fine,” Warne said. “I haven't shut the door on him, anything but.

“I haven't contacted him for a bit because he's going into the play-offs and doesn't need me interfering with his mind.

“I will have a conversation with him once his season ends and see where is heart is at.

“He'd have a clean slate if he did come back here to compete.”

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer may well consider engineering a permanent switch for Purrington, who could get the chance of Championship football next season if the Addicks go up.

The Millers were a second-tier club when he arrived from Plymouth in 2017 and initially looked the part. However, Joe Mattock soon made himself Warne's first-choice left-back and he has been restricted to just 22 appearances in two-and-a-half seasons.

The way Warne has been speaking positively about offering Mattock a new long-term contract, Purrington's future may still be away from the club.

Meanwhile, the EFL have confirmed the dates of this summer's transfer windows.

The Millers and other League One and Two clubs will have until Monday 2 September to make signings.

Warne is hoping to get most of his business done by the time his squad head out on their pre-season tour, but has an extra few weeks following the closure of the window for Championship clubs to take players from that division.