Monday 18 August 2014 12:36, UK
Rotherham boss Steve Evans believes his club's prospects of tying Kieran Agard down to a new contract have improved after his move to Leeds collapsed.
The 24-year-old striker or winger, who rejected a new deal at New York Stadium earlier in the summer, seemed destined to leave the Millers after he missed training on Friday morning to discuss terms on a reported £1million move to Elland Road.
But those negotiations were short-lived as Agard turned down Leeds' offer and was involved in the Millers' 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, coming off the bench.
Agard's future is still up in the air with the club admitting they will continue to listen to acceptable offers for their hitman, who scored 26 goals last term, but Evans insists potential suitors will have to stump up the cash.
"We must have a stronger case for him signing a new contract if he's not prepared to take terms elsewhere," Evans said after the win over Wolves.
"The grass isn't always greener on the other side. He conducts himself in a real professional manner, everyone loves working with him and he always comes in with a smile on his face.
"Everybody has a price. If any bids reach the value you'll get permission to talk to him. I keep reading about other clubs doing this and that. Get your cheque books out or shut up and go away. They have to pay the going rate for him."
Evans, who said Leeds will have to register another bid if they are to resurrect a deal for Agard, made the decision to put the former Everton trainee on the bench for his side's first Championship win of the season.
He came on in the second half after match-winner Ryan Hall picked up an ankle injury when scoring the only goal.
"I felt I couldn't start him," the Scot added. "He was excused from training on Friday to go and talk with Leeds United.
"Kieran felt that wasn't the right move for him at this time and because he was excused from training, I had a long chat with him in my office before the game and after that I decided he was going to be on the bench but he was always going to play a part."
