STRIKER Wes Thomas has today completed a move to League One outfit Rotherham United for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old, restricted to just two starts this season, linked up with former boss Steve Evans in Yorkshire after Cherries manager Eddie Howe gave him the green light to talk to other clubs.

Thomas, who had loan spells with Portsmouth, Blackpool and Birmingham City last season, has signed for the Millers until the end of the current campaign.

“Wes is an excellent signing,” Evans told Rotherham United’s official website. “The lad had several options but he decided to join us and we were all delighted.

“Our talks will continue into Wes being here for much longer than the summer but at least he is here until the end of the season.

“The fact that the lad wanted to join us straight away and allowed his representatives to continue talking to us was a great sign.”

Commenting on Thomas’s future 11 days ago, Howe told the Daily Echo: “Wes has six months left on his deal here and has a desire to play regular football.

“At the moment, I can’t offer him that guarantee and, because of where he is with his contract situation, I think he will probably move, whether on loan or permanently.

“It has been difficult to get him much game-time due to the form of our front players. Wes will feel he needs to earn himself a new contract at the end of this season and, unfortunately, that will not be with us.

“We have had a number of clubs contacting us regarding his availability and although things will have to be agreed with us, it will be very much up to Wes to decide where his future lies.”

The transfer saw Thomas become the first player to leave Cherries on a permanent deal this month, although Howe recently revealed Wes Fogden was expected to move to Portsmouth.

Miles Addison (Rotherham), Matt Tubbs (Crawley) and Jayden Stockley (Torquay) have all been loaned out by the Dean Court outfit.