Transfer news: Rotherham back in for Middlesbrough's Richie Smallwood

Rotherham United have rekindled their interest in Middlesbrough's Richie Smallwood and are hopeful of landing him, Sky Sports can confirm.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at the New York Stadium and played a starring role in their promotion to the Championship.

The Millers made an attempt earlier in the summer to sign Smallwood, but Boro rejected the bid and took up their one-year option to keep the midfielder at the Riverside.

But Smallwood has remained down the pecking order under Aitor Karanka, and Rotherham have now made a new move for him.

Now the two clubs are understood to be in talks and Rotherham are hopeful of finalising a deal for Smallwood, who is a product of Boro's famed academy.

The Redcar-born player has played over 70 games for his hometown club, but having featured on the bench against Birmingham in the opening game has not been involved since.