If Sheffield Wednesday can hold off Everton over George Hirst it will be a big statement.
Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri has had a big impact since taking over the club in 2015.
The Owls reached the play-off final last year and are in the mix to win promotion again this season.
Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri before the game
Thai businessman Chansiri has not overspent, but he has provided funds to make necessary additions whenever required, such as Gary Hooper and Fernando Forestieri last season.
Wednesday have been linked with making a big £8 million offer for Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes, according to The Sun, which they may have to increase to get their man.
This would be impressive, but a true test of Wednesday’s financial power and sporting ambition will be whether they can hold onto George Hirst in the face of determined suitors Everton.
Middlesbrough’s Jordan Rhodes in action with West Ham United’s Adrian
The Liverpool Echo report Everton are strongly hoping they can force Wednesday’s hand into selling the England youth international before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline, and adding Hirst to their already impressive January recruits.
Backed by Iranian investor Farhad Mohsiri, Everton have more financial power than they ever have before, and have bought wisely over the past 12 months.
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