According to Football Insider, Sheffield Wednesday have tabled a bid for Crewe Alexander left-back Harry Pickering but face competition from Blackburn Rovers.
The 22-year-old fullback was a standout for Crewe last season.
Pickering posted a whopping 89 key passes over the course of the campaign, the most by any fullback in England’s top four division with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold hitting 75.
He is on course to beat that tally this term, posting 53 key passes in 23 League One games (Whoscored).
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Football Insider claim Wednesday have made their move after Blackburn saw a bid for Pickering turned down earlier in the January transfer window.
Crewe boss David Artell doesn’t want to lose his best players, with captain Perry Ng on the opposite flank also the subject of interest from Championship clubs.
Wednesday, meanwhile, have endured a problem at left-back all season.
Former manager Garry Monk opted for a wingback system which often saw the more attack-minded Adam Reach play in a deeper role, but that was scrapped after his sacking.
Tony Pulis moved the Owls to a back four. Joost van Aken and Julian Borner had both featured at left-back, but both players are predominantly central defenders.
Current caretaker boss Neil Thompson moved Liam Palmer over to the left during Wednesday’s last Championship encounter, but the Scot is naturally a right-back.
Signing a new left-back this January would provide more balance for the Owls.
Pickering ticks plenty of boxes. He is young, energetic, creative and has lots of potential. Crewe, however, won’t be forced into selling on the cheap with two years left on his contract.
Also see: ‘Reactive; Doesn’t really inspire’: Some Owls fans react to big manager update from journalist
Also see: ‘I’ve made it clear’: Owls ace wants new deal but explains reason behind delays
