Exclusive: Rotherham United rivalling Championship duo for midfielder as Middlesbrough consider shrewd bargaining strategy | OneFootball

Middlesbrough could use Rotherham United’s interest in Lewis Wing to manoeuvre themselves into pole position to land Michael Smith from the Millers, a source has exclusively revealed to Football League World.

Wing impressed on loan with Rotherham last season in the Championship, making 20 appearances under Paul Warne, scoring two goals and registering two assists. Despite the 25-year-old’s best efforts, though, the Millers slipped back into League One during a dramatic final day.

Nevertheless, Rotherham are interested in bringing Wing back to South Yorkshire for another spell, with a source revealing to Football League World that they want a reunion.

They face stern competition, though, with Hull City and Peterborough United also keen on Wing as the pair look to bolster their options in midfield ahead of a return to the Championship after winning automatic promotion last season.

Wing remains contracted on Teesside, leaving Boro in control of his future this summer.

Our source at Football League World has revealed that Boro could well use Wing as bait to lure Smith to the Riverside Stadium from Rotherham, with Neil Warnock known to be keen on the striker.

Smith, 29, featured on 44 occasions last season in the Championship, scoring 10 goals and registering a further four assists despite Rotherham’s struggles.

Warnock has already moved Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher out of the Riverside and is on the lookout for fresh attacking options.