Sources: Rotherham United agree deal to sign Ossama Ashley

Rotherham United have agreed a deal to sign former Salford City midfielder Ossama Ashley on a free transfer, sources have told Football Insider.

New Rotherham boss Alex Bruce has played a key role in persuading the 26-year-old to snub interest from elsewhere, having previously worked with him during his time at Salford.

Sources say that Ashley has agreed terms with the Yorkshire club, who were relegated from League One to League Two at the end of last season.

He impressed in League Two last term as he helped his side to reach the play-off final before leaving, with his contract expiring today.

He is seen as a major coup for Rotherham and their new boss Bruce.

Ashley made 19 appearances across all competitions last season, after missing large spells through injury, and opted to explore his options rather than extending his stay at Moor Lane.

A host of EFL clubs were placed on alert by the midfielder's availability and had hoped to bring him in, but Rotherham have now stolen a march on their rivals.

He will undergo medical tests before finalising the move to The Millers, and is keen to link up with Bruce with a belief his former boss will get the best out of him.

How have Rotherham won the race for Ossama Ashley?

Ashley is officially a free agent after leaving Salford upon the expiry of his contract, and had attracted interest from high-profile suitors before Rotherham swooped.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Rotherham would appoint Steve McClaren as thei director of football, and he has since taken charge of their plans.

The appointment of Bruce as their new head coach has already bore fruit, with the boss playing a key role in convincing Ashley to pick them over his other options.

He will also likely be afforded more first-team opportunities in the Rotherham side who suffered relegation from League One last time out and are keen to bounce back.

Ashley is already proven at League Two level, and the move is regarded as a coup for Rotherham, who hope to be ambitious in their summer plans.

Which other teams were interested in signing Ashley?

As previoulsy mentioned, Rotherham have beaten off interest from a number of rival clubs to secure a deal for Ashley, in a huge boost to their plans.

The midfielder's form in League Two saw him attract interest from clubs further up the EFL, with a number of League One outfits plotting moves.

Football Insider exclusively revealed earlier this month that third-tier duo Stockport County and Barnsley were both eyeing moves to sign Ashley this summer.

He has never played League One football before in his career, but clubs were willing to hand him the opportunity, before League Two side Rotherham swooped.