Rotherham United want Wigan Athletic new boy Silko Thomas

Rotherham United boss Steve Evans said his side had an “interest” in Wigan Athletic new boy Silko Thomas.

Rotherham United considered a swoop for the Leicester City winger, but a move to South Yorkshire did not materialize for him in the end. He has since linked up with fellow League One club Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan deal.

Thomas, 20, will be looking to get as much game time as possible with the Latics to help them gain some experience. He can play on either wing and has bolstered Shaun Maloney’s attacking department.

Millers manager Evans said, according to a report in the Rotherham Advertiser: “I had an interest in Silko Thomas. Then we signed Joe Hungbo and that interest went.”

Rotherham United kicked off the new campaign with an away trip to Exeter City. They have friendlies to go first though against Grimsby Town and Doncaster Rovers respectively this week.

As Evans hinted, they signed former Watford and Huddersfield Town player Joseph Hungbo from FC Nürnberg, which meant they didn’t need Thomas after all.

The Millers also got the likes of Jonson Clarke-Harris, Esapa Osong and Alex MacDonald.

Thomas started out at Carshalton Athletic before linking up with Chelsea.

He then rose through the ranks of the Premier League side’s academy and played for both the Under-18s and Under-21s.

Leicester City then came calling and played 19 competitive games for their development side, scoring six goals and providing four assists.

Wigan Athletic will be hoping they can find the same form for themselves in the third tier. After moving to the Brick Community Stadium, he told their website: “It’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I can’t wait to get started and meet the fans.

“It was easy for me to come here knowing the manager (Shaun Maloney) has wanted me for over 18 months. I want to do my best and show everyone what I’m capable of.”

Rotherham United will consider promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic will be confident they can compete at the top of the table.

They have acquired the likes of Calvin Ramsay, Toby Sibbick and Joe Hugill in this window as well as Thomas.

Their first game is against Charlton Athletic at home on Saturday 10 August.