By our calculations, and discounting those previously on loan at Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday have been formally credited with interest in as many as 15 new players leading up to and during the summer transfer window.
We at SWN have assessed each and every one to try to gauge which are the most likely to lead to something official – starting with a goalkeeper and six defenders.
Goalkeeper
Quentin Beunardeau (Aves)
Quentin Beunardeau of Desportivo das Aves. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Linked by: Record
They say: Beunardeu has been well-referenced by Wednesday, along with Aston Villa, Nice and Montpellier.
We say: After an impressive campaign in Portugal’s top flight it’s unlikely that Beunardeau would want to move to any club with whom he would not be an immediate first-choice. The Owls are expected to extend Keiren Westwood’s contract one way or another, and adding the Frenchman would be considered a surprise.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Defenders
Moses Odubajo (Unattached)
Linked by: The Star
They say: Odubajo has emerged as a target for Wednesday after Brentford released him.
We say: After Börner, the former Hull City right-back looks the Owls’ most likely recruit. Since The Star’s initial report, Football Insider have claimed advanced talks between the two parties, while the QPR manager, Mark Warburton, later told Talksport he was led to believe Odubajo has already signed for a club other than his.
Adam Matthews (out-of-contract, Sunderland)
Linked by: Football Insider
They say: Matthews is on Wednesday’s radar as his Sunderland contract nears expiry.
We say: Having played under the Owls boss, Steve Bruce, before, one suspects that Odubajo is the more likely right-back addition. The Londoner can also operate in a variety of positions, adding to his appeal.
Julian Börner (Unattached)
Julian Boerner of Arminia Bielefeld. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
Linked by: NW.de
They say: Börner has agreed to sign for Wednesday on a three-year contract, and that he is due to move to Sheffield this week after leaving his previous employers, Arminia Bielefeld.
We say: Everything seems to fit with this one. Expect an announcement soon.
Stuart Findlay (Kilmarnock)
Linked by: The Scottish Sun
They say: Wednesday are preparing a bid for Findlay after he was watched by Bruce last month.
We say: With Börner’s arrival supposedly imminent and another two left-sided centre-backs already on the books in Jordan Thorniley and Joost van Aken, it seems unlikely at this stage that Wednesday are actively pursuing another – especially one with an apparent seven-figure price tag.
Jordan Willis (out-of-contract, Coventry City)
Linked by: Coventry Live
They say: Wednesday and Hull City have made late moves to sign Willis, although it is Luton Town who are favourites to land him.
We say: The centre-back does not appear to be one of the Owls’ primary targets, and is likely to favour regular first-team football over a move to Hillsborough anyway, where he would likely begin as Tom Lees’ understudy.
Look out for Part II on Monday…
