The Republic of Ireland international has been linked with a move away from Hillsborough.
Wednesday’s Westwood: A man in demand?
Another season of Championship football awaits Sheffield Wednesday after Saturday’s play-off final defeat to Hull City.
By adding to their impressive nucleus this summer, the Owls would be in a strong position from which to challenge once more, but according to reports on Monday, they may not have things all their own way in the transfer market.
The Daily Mail claims that Wednesday number 1 Keiren Westwood is a target for four top-flight clubs following his heroics over the past two campaigns, despite having signed a new long-term contract at Hillsborough earlier this year.
Though under little obligation to sell, Owls head coach Carlos Carvalhal delivered a typically laid-back response when asked about potential departures by the Sheffield Star on Tuesday – insisting that key players would be replaced if sold.
With that in mind, here are three ‘keepers the Owls could target if Westwood departs for pastures new:
3) Ben Hamer
Could Hamer ditch the Champions League for Championship?
A man who has had a number run-ins with the Owls and their supporters down the years, courtesy of his spell at Charlton Athletic. Currently the third choice of English champions, Leicester City, Hamer may fancy playing actual football matches again next season, and a move to Hillsborough is sure to appeal. He would have been loaned to Nottingham Forest last summer but for the Reds’ transfer embargo.
2) Sam Johnstone
Johnstone’s first team chances look bleak under Mourinho
Another who is massively out of favour at the top of the Premier League – and out of contract next summer. Johnstone’s chances are unlikely to have improved with Jose Mourinho’s appointment as Manchester United manager. Even if David de Gea is sold in the summer, the Portuguese is far more likely to seek an external replacement than promote the 23-year-old. Johnstone, a former Doncaster and Preston loanee, has played 74 times in the Football League.
1) Daniel Bentley
Bentley is said to be interesting big clubs in England and Scotland
The much-sought Southend United number 1 is on his way out of Roots Hall, according to manager Phil Brown. Linked with Leeds United and Rangers, Bentley could be swayed by Wednesday’s Premier League ambition (among other things). The 22-year-old, like Johnstone, is out of contract this summer – though the Owls would be required to pay compensation.
Alternatively…
Joe Wildsmith, who filled in for Westwood on 14 occasions (keeping clean sheets in 43 per cent of his appearances) in what was his debut campaign in Wednesday’s first team, could be thrust in permanently by Carvalhal, whose knowledge of Portugal and Turkey in particular may see him look further afield.
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