Sheffield Wednesday could be set for a busy last week of the summer transfer window.
Not a transfer window has passed under Carlos Carvalhal’s Sheffield Wednesday reign without at least one late deal going through.
The signings of Fernando Forestieri, Barry Bannan, Aiden McGeady, Adam Reach and Jordan Rhodes were all made with days, hours and, in Rhodes’ case, minutes to spare.
And with several positions still in need of strengthening (see below) ahead of Thursday’s deadline, it’s perhaps safe to assume there will, once again, be some last-minute activity at Hillsborough.
So could any of these be Owls-bound?
Centre-back:
Carvalhal wants two this window, with the recent arrival of Frederico Venancio from Vitoria Setubal halving that need.
According to the Dutch press, Wednesday are in talks to sign Joost van Aken of Heerenveen (pictured above), who is also being courted by Lazio. Although unverified, a reported transfer fee of around £4.6 million could, however, put the 23-year-old out of the Owls’ reach, barring any significant departures this week.
With Carvalhal’s side conscious of breaching the Football League’s financial fair play rules, it is possible they could try again for Charlie Mulgrew of Blackburn Rovers (pictured above), having – allegedly – seen an offer worth £200,000 rejected last month. Having said that, the League One side appear to have little desire to sell the 31-year-old.
Another rumoured target, Harlee Dean of Brentford (pictured above), could be on the move this week, with the Bees’ offer of a new contract still to be signed. Several Championship sides have been credited with interest, including Wednesday, who may be waiting patiently as they seek to get the best possible deal.
Central midfield
A new midfielder could also arrive in Sheffield 6 this week, with Wednesday perhaps in need of more effective cover for energetic pair Kieran Lee and Sam Hutchinson. Few have been linked, however, besides Max Power of Wigan Athletic (pictured above) – and even that was a tenuous one.
Power one of Wigan’s top performers last season, but has yet to make a league appearance this time around as the Latics prepare for his exit. A cut-price could be negotiated for the 24-year-old, who has been on the Owls’ radar for the past 18 months, according to reports.
Anyone else?
Alan Hutton of Aston Villa (pictured above) was an alleged Wednesday target earlier in the summer, however, that particular trail has since gone cold and the Scotland international has missed only one of the Villans’ league matches so far, through injury. With Liam Palmer providing cover for Jack Hunt, right-back is perhaps not a priority anyway.
A new winger would be high on many supporters’ shopping lists, although whether or not Carvalhal agrees remains to be seen. The Portuguese may be more inclined to, however, if Fernando Forestieri – a reported target for Fulham – is sold.
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