Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City have been linked with Wigan Athletic’s Nick Powell.
According to a report in the Sheffield Star, Sheffield Wednesday have missed out on the signing of Nick Powell due to his high wage demands as the Wigan Athletic looks set to join league rivals Stoke City.
The Owls are accredited among several clubs interested in signing the Wigan attacking midfielder as his contract at the DW Stadium expires in the summer.
The Sheffield Star claim Steve Bruce’s side made an official enquiry as they upped their bid to sign Powell, but his wage demands meant the Owls couldn’t push forward with a potential deal.
The former Manchester United man has scored eight goals and grabbed six assists in 25 Championship starts this season – a rough average of one goal contribution every other game.
Wednesday are light in the midfield area as David Jones, Almen Abdi and George Boyd are all set to leave this summer at the end of their contracts. Missing out on Powell, 25, is a blow for the club.
Keeping to a strict wage bill, however, could be seen as a smart decision. The Owls have landed themselves in Financial Fair Play trouble over the past 12 months as a result of overspending in previous seasons.
Stoke, meanwhile, will be looking to put a poor past 12 months behind them and strengthen this summer. The report adds they are expected to complete a move for Powell before the end of the month.
The Potters have plenty of options in midfield with Sam Clucas, Ryan Woods, Joe Allen and Peter Etebo. Adding Nick Powell to the mix will only strengthen their promotion prospects.
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