"Pick the phone up" - Rotherham United boss Steve Clarke responds to Jordan Hugill, Plymouth Argyle rumours | OneFootball

The former Stevenage manager revealed that the club have had no contact with the Devon side about the availability of their striker, who made the move to the New York Stadium in January 2023.

The Pilgrims - managed by former Manchester United man Wayne Rooney - are looking to get business done early this summer, with full-back Nathanael Ogbeta already through the door following his release from Swansea City.

With the Greens struggling in front of goal in the second half of the campaign, signing a striker will be a priority for those at Home Park during the off-season, although Evans admits there is yet to be any conversation about their 32-year-old goalgetter.

Rotherham United boss Steve Evans plays down Jordan Hugill, Plymouth Argyle links

Hugill has netted ten league goals during his time with the Yorkshire side, having helped the perennial Championship strugglers stay in the division with some vital goals in the 22/23 campaign.

Last season was a tougher prospect for the former Preston North End man, with just five goals from his 39 league appearances, as United finished rock-bottom with just five wins all season.

Although rumours have circulated on social media, there has been no concrete interest from Argyle so far but the Greens will likely be looking to address their shot-shy antics from the final few months of the previous campaign, which saw them dragged into a relegation battle of their own.

The Devon side failed to score more than once in any of their final 12 league matches of the season; highlighting their lack of firepower and creativity after the departure of previous boss Steven Schumacher.

Rooney is the man tasked with helping Argyle rediscover their form in front of goal for the following campaign, and will be set on bringing a new striker or two to the club, although Evans insists any deal for Hugill is unlikely at this moment in time.

He told the Rotherham Advertiser: “I read the reports and so I spoke to Jordan and he intimated to me that he wasn’t aware of anything and if he did he would let me know as a matter of professional respect.

“One thing I have learnt in the short time knowing Jordan is that he’s a real good lad and taking references from people like David Moyes, he’s a real honest kid.

“Wayne Rooney was a superstar as a player and is still to prove himself as a manager. I know Wayne, he knows my number and I’m sure if he has an interest then he’ll pick the phone up.

“If Plymouth want some dialogue then we’ll decide as a club what we want to do on that one.”

Steve Evans wastes no time in adding new recruits after Rotherham United return

After securing a dramatic return to the New York Stadium in April after leaving Stevenage, Evans has already put plenty of plans in place ahead of his side’s assault on League One in the upcoming campaign.

The Millers have already added seven new faces to the squad that dropped out of the Championship, with Jonson Clarke-Harris [pictured] also returning to the Yorkshire side after his release from Peterborough United.

That deal could mean a move for Hugill could be on the table for the Pilgrims, with the two experienced strikers set to battle it out for the starting place up top if they both remain at the club.

Clarke-Harris will be joined by fellow new recruits Reece James and Liam Kelly - from Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry City respectively - as well as former Northampton Town man Shaun McDonald.