The Portugal international finds himself way down the pecking order at Sheffield Wednesday.
Blackburn Rovers are hoping to secure a loan deal for Sheffield Wednesday striker Lucas Joao ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline, a report on page 51 of Monday’s Sun newspaper claims.
Joao, 23, has slipped down the pecking order following Sam Winnall’s move to Hillsborough from Barnsley earlier this month, failing to feature in the Owls’ last two matchday squads.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Sam Winnall has taken the place of Lucas Joao
However, that does not appear to have deterred Blackburn, whose new technical director, Paul Senior, helped to sign Joao for Wednesday in 2015.
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The Owls paid a reported £3 million for the former Nacional da Madeira player, who went on to score a respectable six goals from 15 starts in his maiden Championship campaign.
Lucas Joao scores the Owls against Arsenal
However, the six-foot-three-inch frontman has struggled to replicate his early Owls form since winning his first Portugal caps 15 months ago, and has scored just twice since his side’s 2-2 draw at Blackburn in November 2015 – in which he netted a late equaliser.
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And with Gary Hooper fit again, it may be the case that manager Carlos Carvalhal sees Joao’s short-term future away from Hillsborough, with Blackburn’s Lancashire rivals Wigan Athletic also said to be keen.
Should Sheffield Wednesday allow Joao to leave this month?
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