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 (which is one more than yesterday) 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 – continuing with midfielders and forwards.
Midfielders
Sam Morsy (Wigan Athletic)
Linked by: Sky Sports
They say: Wednesday are one of a number of clubs keen on the Egypt international.
We say: He recently signed up until 2021 at the DW Stadium, which means a fee would need to be paid by the Owls, who one suspects do not have a lot of leeway in that department – yet.
Nick Powell (Unattached)
Linked by: Various, including The Star
They say: Wednesday have pulled out of the race to sign Powell because of his wage demands. They expect the former Wigan Athletic man to join Stoke City instead.
We say: The Star’s Dom Howson will have done his due diligence on this one. It’s safe to say this one is not happening.
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Lee Cattermole (Sunderland)
Linked by: The Sun
They say: The Wednesday manager, Steve Bruce, has set his sights on a reunion with the player he signed at both Wigan and Sunderland. They add, however, that Cattermole’s wages (said to be £40,000) could scupper those plans.
We say: Bruce has repeatedly stressed a desire to sign younger players in his first full transfer window as boss. That, as well as the potential costs involved (a transfer fee would be required with two years left on Cattermole’s deal), should rule this one out.
Will Vaulks (Rotherham United)
Linked by: Teamtalk
They say: Wednesday are one of a number of clubs keen on the Wales international, along with Cardiff City, Derby County, Norwich City and Sheffield United.
We say: He might well be a target, but as with Morsy, a formal pursuit is perhaps unlikely without further movement out of Hillsborough.
Stewart Downing (Unattached)
Linked by: Sky Sports
They say: Wednesday are showing an interest in Downing, along with Rangers and Blackburn Rovers.
We say: As with Cattermole, the former Middlesbrough wide man’s age (he turns 35 next month) and suspected high wages make this one unlikely.
Forwards
Kadeem Harris (Unattached)
Linked by: Football Insider
They say: Wednesday and Middlesbrough are plotting swoops to sign Harris, who has just been released by Cardiff.
We say: A 25-year-old pacy winger with no transfer fee, there is certainly an element of truth to this one. Only one site has reported it so far, however.
Sheraldo Becker (out-of-contract, ADO Den Haag)
Linked by: The Mirror
They say: Becker has been the subject of contact from Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County and Swansea City.
We say: As with Harris, the Dutchman ticks plenty of boxes (24. Pacy winger. Free), although there is a lot of competition. While it doesn’t look likely at this stage, it’s not impossible.
Macauley Bonne (Leyton Orient)
Linked by: Teamtalk
They say: WEdnesday are among the clubs targeting Bonne, who has a £200,000 release clause, along with Sheffield United, Leicester City, Middlesbrough, Charlton Athletic and Sunderland.
We say: A new centre-forward is perhaps last on Bruce’s list. That said, Bonne is likely be deemed one for the future and at that price can be deemed relatively low-risk. One would have to think, however, that first-team opportunities will be on offer elsewhere.
Benjamin Kolloli (FC Zurich)
Linked by: Football Insider
They say: Wednesday are one of three clubs interested in signing the FC Zurich winger, along with Leeds United and Brentford.
We say: While he may be well-suited to the Owls’ needs, the problem with Kolloli, once again, is the fee required to sign him – which both Leeds and Brentford may be better-equipped to find. Some wiggle room may need engineering by Bruce.