Alan Stubbs expects competition for Anthony Stokes signing

Rotherham United manager Alan Stubbs has acknowledged that he will face fierce competition in the race to try to sign Celtic striker Anthony Stokes.

Stokes is expected to be handed a free transfer by the Scottish Premiership champions, despite scoring nine goals during a four-month loan spell under Stubbs at Hibernian.

Stubbs has suggested that he is interested in a reunion with the 27-year-old but he admits that he will not be the only manager who is interested in the attacker, who has experience playing on both sides of the border.

The 44-year-old is quoted by the Daily Record as saying: "I wouldn't rule out an interest in Anthony Stokes but we wouldn't be on our own. There will be a number of clubs interested him, particularly if it's a free transfer.

"I know him from his time at Hibs and at Celtic. Obviously, it doesn't hurt that I have a good relationship with him already."

Stubbs was recently appointed as the new boss of the Millers after two years in Scotland with Hibs.