Sheffield Wednesday are said to have been keen on the Newcastle United defender, then of Blackburn Rovers.
Newcastle United’s Grant Hanley celebrates his goal at QPR
Sheffield Wednesday were linked with a move for Grant Hanley last summer, before the defender’s eventual transfer to Newcastle United (The Sun).
But could the Owls renew their interest in 2017?
How’s he getting on?
Hanley’s big move has not gone quite to plan, with the Scotland centre-back struggling to oust the Magpies’ preferred partnership of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark. The latter’s injury, however, allowed Hanley to make only his third league start of the campaign during Newcastle’s draw at Birmingham on Saturday.
Do Wednesday still need him?
Absolutely. Since Sam Hutchinson’s return to midfield, the Owls have found themselves short in Hanley’s position, with Tom Lees and Vincent Sasso both spending time on the sidelines. Sasso’s contract expires this summer, while Glenn Loovens’ has little over a year to run on his and isn’t getting any younger.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Glenn Loovens celebrates his goal at St James’ Park
Could they get him this summer?
With Newcastle closing in on promotion, it is likely they will seek to improve their squad ahead of the new campaign, leaving Hanley’s future uncertain. The Magpies may keen to see their £5.6 million outlay reimbursed should the 25-year-old depart, nevertheless, it’s unlikely to deter Wednesday, whose sights will be firmly set on promotion if they remain a Championship side.
Verdict: Watch this space.
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