Rotherham United are said to be amongst a trio of League One outfits all vying for the signature of Coventry City’s Liam Kelly following the expiration of his contract, according to a report by the Rotherham Advertiser.
The 34-year-old has been a stalwart of the Sky Blues’ side for the past seven years, which has seen him be involved in two separate promotions, as well as an FA Cup semi-final and a Championship play-off campaign. Throughout that time, the midfielder made 180 appearances for Mark Robins’ side.
Kelly began his career at Kilmarnock before heading south of the border to Bristol City. He also spent time at fellow EFL sides Oldham Athletic and Leyton Orient before moving to Coventry.
However, the club confirmed that this season has been his last at the club as he would not be offered a new deal. Therefore, his future is now in question and clubs have already begun circling.
Whilst two other ‘strong’ League One clubs have been reported to be eyeing a move for the veteran, Rotherham are the only side named as being in the race. If the Millers were to get their man, he would be their seventh signing of this window already, after the side have already brought in Joe Powell, Shaun McWilliams, Jonson Clarke-Harris, Reece James, Joe Rafferty and Sean Raggett on free deals.
It is not uncommon for Steve Evans to do his transfer business early and this season has therefore been no exception with the other 23 League One clubs only making a combined seven transfers themselves so far.
Writer’s View
Rotherham and Steve Evans seem to have an aligned transfer policy this summer, of filling in the gaps left behind after relegation from the Championship with experienced League One or higher players. Therefore, Kelly would seem a logical choice for the club.
However, if the report is true on the point that multiple clubs are vying for his signature, this move may not be as simple as some of their other business has already been.