Millers to step up pursuit of Fleetwood hitman Ball
According to reports in the national media, Championship side Cardiff are on the brink of signing Rotherham striker Danny Ward in a £1m deal which could pave the way for a Millers swoop for Ball.
It’s claimed Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock has agreed a fee and terms for the forward, who will have a medical in Wales this week.
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Hide AdWard played for Warnock at the Millers and United are understood to be willing to sell as he is entering the last year of his contract. A deal is expected to be finalised at the end of this week.
Ball has been offered a fresh deal at Highbury. However, after five years, more than 200 appearances and 49 goals, it seems a new chapter might be on the horizon for the 27-year-old as he is yet to commit his future to the club.
Top scorer Ball’s 14-goal haul and numerous assists helped Fleetwood to a top- four finish last season as they missed out on possible promotion to the Championship after their play-off semi-final defeat against eventual beaten finalists Bradford City.
Ball’s last-gasp strike in the 1-1 draw against Southend United won him the goal of the season prize in his memorable campaign.
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Hide AdWith Fleetwood destined for another League One season, it looks likely that Ball will leave Highbury to embark on a fresh challenge.
Rotherham, who were relegated from the Championship at the end of the season, appear to be heading a list of League One clubs determined to lure the forward.
Ball’s departure would be a big blow for Town and the future of several other players at the club is still up in the air.
Full-back Conor McLaughlin, midfielder Jimmy Ryan, utility man Victor Nirennold, defender Godswill Ekpolo and young prospect Nick Haughton have also been offered new deals.
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Hide AdOne man who is expected to stay put at Highbury is centre-half Cian Bolger.
The 25-year-old former Bristol Rovers man was linked with a move to Championship side Bristol City in the national media.
But Town’s player of the year is under contract for another two years at Highbury, having penned a three-year deal when he arrived on a free transfer from Southend last summer.