The Bournemouth player’s contract expires in 2018.
Sheffield Wednesday continue to be priced out in their search for a new centre-back, their head coach Carlos Carvalhal admitted recently.
Middlesbrough’s Daniel Ayala, Newcastle United’s Grant Hanley and Derby County’s Richard Keogh are among those to have been linked with moves to Hillsborough this summer, but the Owls are yet to add to their options at the heart of their defence.
If bargains are what Carvalhal is after, then targeting those whose contracts expire at the end of the coming campaign could be the way to go – although it still doesn’t guarantee they’ll come cheap.
Nevertheless, HITC Sport has picked out five names who could potentially fit the bill for Wednesday, continuing with Bournemouth’s Marc Wilson.
Republic of Ireland’s Marc Wilson
Who is he?
Not to be confused with Mark Wilson, the midfielder who played for the Owls on loan from Middlesbrough in 2004, this one is a centre-back with close to 200 games’ Premier League experience for Portsmouth, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion – but not his current employers Bournemouth. The 29-year-old moved to Dean Court a year ago, but has appeared just three times for the Cherries – each one in the cups – and a January reunion with Tony Pulis at West Brom only yielded four senior outings. Nevertheless, it was reported this week that a permanent £1 million move to the Hawthorns is ‘likely’ this summer (Express & Star).
What would he bring to Wednesday?
Significant Premier League and international experience – he also has 25 caps for the Republic of Ireland – as well as the ability to play in multiple positions, including left and right full-back and central midfied, and ambidexterity. A natural leader, Wilson was named Portsmouth’s captain at the age of 22.
Former Portsmouth captain Marc Wilson (right)
Would he come to Hillsborough?
It looks very much like Wilson will be on the move again this summer and while another go at West Brom may appeal to him for several reasons (not least financial ones), the ability to offer him regular football after back-to-back campaigns spent mainly on the sidelines could be the most powerful weapon in Wednesday’s armoury. Besides, the Owls are not short of a few pennies themselves, and a move to Hillsborough is unlikely to hit Wilson’s pocket too hard. However, Carvalhal’s side may also have to battle Sunderland for the former Manchester United youth teamer’s signature, after they were linked with him earlier this week (Sunderland Echo).
Should Sheffield Wednesday move for Bournemouth’s Marc Wilson?
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