Steve Bruce has hinted he will look to some of England’s biggest clubs when it comes to strengthening his Sheffield Wednesday squad this summer.
Speaking via the Sheffield Star last week, the new Owls boss name-checked four in particular that he plans to ask for potential loan signings.
But which should he target? We at SWN have picked out one from each…
Philippe Sandler (Manchester City)
Signed from PEC Zwolle for a reported fee of around £2 million last summer, the centre-back finally made his City debut against Rotherham last month and followed it up with an appearance against Burton. But Sandler is likely to find regular game time hard to come by at the Etihad Stadium, and securing a loan move could be high on his agenda next season. Wednesday would be an ideal destination if Michael Hector fails to return from Chelsea, and the Owls’ Manchester City connections – their former academy boss, Dean Ramsdale, is now employed there – can only help their cause.
Herbie Kane (Liverpool)
The box-to-box midfielder is excelling up the road at Doncaster Rovers this season, scoring or assisting 16 goals in 37 games for his temporary employers. Liverpool are said to be delighted with his progress, but may wish to test him in the Championship before considering him as part of their own plans. Wednesday are likely to lose most if not all of David Jones, Almen Abdi, Josh Onomah and Kieran Lee this summer, creating plenty of space for Kane.
Joe Willock (Arsenal)
Another central midfielder, but one who differs from Kane in that he can also operate comfortably on either flank. Willock has already played 15 times for Arsenal, scoring three goals, and may be a candidate for Aaron Ramsey’s spot at the Emirates next season. But should the Gunners choose to outsource the Welshman’s successor, then the 20-year-old would make a useful Onomah replacement at Wednesday.
Tahith Chong (Manchester United)
Known for his distinctive hair and unconventional playing style, there is already plenty of hype around Chong, despite the Dutch winger having played just 28 minutes of senior football. And, like his compatriot Sandler at Manchester City, a loan move may be a logical next step in his career. Quick, strong and an expert on set-pieces, Chong would inject some much-needed life into a Wednesday attack that has been on death row these past few years.