Michael Smith’s future at Sheffield Wednesday remains unclear after earning a place back in the team towards the end of the season.
Smith proved himself as a vital asset in League One, picking up 28 goal contributions in all competitions as Sheffield Wednesday were promoted.
The striker struggled for minutes last season though and looked close to returning to the third tier during the January transfer window.
However, the Owls opted to keep hold of him and he went onto make a vital impact in the final weeks of the campaign, making three successive starts and netting a late equaliser against Norwich City.
With a year left on his contract at Hillsborough, it remains to be seen whether Smith will stay at the club beyond this summer.
One thing is now for sure though, with Rotherham United manager Steve Evans ruling out a return for the forward.
Smith scored 60 goals in four years for The Millers, before joining Wednesday in 2022.
While a move back to League One is potentially on the cards, Evans has claimed that he has no intention of signing him.
Smith won’t be returning to Rotherham United
Speaking to the Rotherham Advertiser, the coach said: “I love ‘Smudge’. He was brilliant for Rotherham United, a handful against my teams when he played against them.
“But we’ve had the best League One signing of the whole transfer window in Jonson.”
“Would I love Smudge in the squad? Yeah,” he added. “But we’ve a good balance. We’ve got Clarke-Harris, we’ve got Jordan Hugill, we’ve got Sam Nombe, we’ve got Asapa Osong and Joe Hungbo can play up there – he’s got great feet and is a very talented boy.”
“It’s nothing to do with finances. We’ve never picked up the phone to Michael.”
Should Sheffield Wednesday sell the striker?
Smith’s future at Wednesday could depend where other strikers end up, with the club still chasing a deal for Ike Ugbo.
However, the Owls could also consider selling Mallik Wilks, while there has been talk of Bailey Cadamarteri leaving on loan.
That would potentially leave Charlie McNeill as their out-and-out striker, while Jamal Lowe and Callum Paterson could also play as a No.9.
Keeping Smith as a back-up option seems like a smart move for Wednesday. However, if they were to receive a good offer from a League One club then it does feel like it would be hard to say no.
Any move for the 32-year-old may come in the final days of the transfer window though, with Danny Rohl likely to bring in at least one more striker before he can let Smith leave.