Blackpool and Sunderland target faces a decision over his future as Seasiders are linked with another man with Swindon Town links

The Millers recently triggered a 12-month extension on the 23-year-old’s contract to ensure they receive a fee for his services should the striker depart.

With both Blackpool and Sunderland reportedly interested, Barker admits the decision over Yates’ future will come down to the player himself.

“We would be mad not to take that opportunity for us to extend it [the contract] knowing the season he’s just had,” admitted Barker, speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield.

“Jerry has had a great year (scoring 14 times on loan at Swindon Town).

“He wanted to go and play first-team football and has been part of our squad for four, five years now – and he just wanted an opportunity to go and prove himself and play on a regular basis.

“He’s ended up getting a promotion, he’s ended up scoring goals and I’m well aware – as I’m sure everyone is – that he’s raised a bit of interest in terms of various clubs throughout the divisions.

“We had to activate it because he’s an asset. He’s somebody that if he wanted to stay, then he would be a useful asset for the squad.

“But if he decides he wants to move on, then it’s the right thing for the club to activate it. If Jerry does decide to move on, we’ll make sure it’s the correct move for both the football club and Jerry.”

Yates, a product of Rotherham’s academy, has made sporadic appearances for the Millers’ first-team during his six years with the club, scoring five times in 44 appearances.

He has also spent time out on loan with Harrogate Railway Athletic, Harrogate Town and Carlisle United.

He scored seven times in 36 games during his season-long loan spell with Carlisle, but he has enjoyed his best season to date by helping Swindon clinch promotion from the fourth tier.

“If Jerry wasn’t a Rotherham United player, and he’s scored 14 goals for a League Two team, he’d probably be someone who had cropped up on our radar,” Barker added.

“Obviously we know and have had him at the club since he was in his teens, but we’re well aware that having had one year of being a regular that it may be something that Jerry wants to explore.

“He’ll be back with us in pre-season, and then we’ll have a chat with him about where his mindset is.”

The Seasiders will be keen to bolster their attacking options following the recent departure of top goalscorer Armand Gnanduillet.

Another forward to be linked with Pool is Yates’ former Swindon Town teammate Keshi Anderson.

The 25-year-old, who scored six times in 22 outings last season to help Swindon seal promotion, is out of contract this summer.

Anderson, who is capable of playing across the forward line, appeared to announce his departure from the County Ground in a recent social media post.

“The first picture to my last,” he posted on Twitter.

“Had an amazing three years at Swindon where I accomplished something special in the end with an unbelievable team.

“Thank you to the managers who have helped me progress, the staff throughout the club, my teammates and of course the fans who were there week in week out in numbers! It’s been real.”

Another man with Swindon connections to be linked with Blackpool is Huddersfield Town defender Rarmani Edmonds-Green.

The centre back made nine appearances for the Robins last season after joining the club on loan during the January transfer window.