How Doncaster Rovers' transfer business is likely to play out this month and the determining factors

Winger Sims continues to recover from a hamstring injury which cut short his loan with Rovers last month.

Rovers still hold out hope of securing a return for the 24-year-old beyond the end of this month, but accept they are likely to face strong competition from Championship sides after his impressive performances during his loan spell.

Should Sims not return, Rovers plan to sign a winger or a striker as a replacement before the end of the transfer window.

It is understood former loanee Niall Ennis is not under consideration for a return.

Ennis was last week recalled by parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers from his loan at Burton Albion and it has been reported that he will be leaving Molineux on a permanent basis this month.

The forward was under consideration as a potential target by Rovers in the summer transfer window but is not thought to be on the current list of possibilities.

The other potential determining factor on transfer business this month for Rovers will rest with how the developing situation with captain Ben Whiteman plays out.

As reported by the Free Press at the weekend, Whiteman was left out of the win over Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup as a ‘protective measure’ after having his head turned by the interest in him from Championship clubs.

Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers saw bids for the 24-year-old rejected by Rovers last week, with both falling well short of the valuation set by the club.

Reports have suggested that East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and Derby County are both ready to join the race for the midfielder, with a departure for Whiteman this month looking increasingly likely.

The Rovers hierarchy have consistently stated they will only sanction a transfer out of the club if the manager is confident he can source a replacement with the funds available.

Replacing a player as important to the side as Whiteman will be on boss Darren Moore’s agenda if he is to leave before the end of the window.

Beyond the potential scenario with Whiteman and the issue of Sims or a replacement, further business from Rovers is unlikely.

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