There is high demand for one Sheffield Wednesday outcast ahead of deadline day.
Sheffield Wednesday looked set to part ways with Michael Smith this month, when Derby County came calling for the striker.
Reports had claimed a deal would get ‘done‘ for Smith before tomorrow’s deadline, however Sheffield Wednesday’s demands look to have forced the 32-year-old to remain at Hillsborough.
Derby County aren’t stopping there though and now appear to have turned their attention to Lee Gregory.
Gregory netted eleven goals as The Owls won promotion to the Championship last term, however he has struggled to earn his place in the starting line-up this time round, making only one start under Danny Rohl.
The ‘outstanding’ forward was made available for transfer this month and had been linked with a number of lower league clubs, but it has now been reported that The Rams could look to him as an alternative to Smith.
BBC Sheffield journalist Rob Staton wrote on X: “What I’m hearing with Michael Smith & Lee Gregory. Smith is not available for loan, Gregory is. Several clubs are showing interest in Gregory but the difference in valuation between #SWFC and those clubs is sizeable. We’ll see how this plays out before the deadline closes.”
The Star journalist Alex Miller also said: “Deal proving difficult – Wednesday want high wage contribution and Derby under tricky restrictions.”
Gregory is reportedly earning around £8,000-per-week at Hillsborough – more than the likes of Di’Shon Bernard, Akin Famewo and George Byers.
Should Sheffield Wednesday let Lee Gregory leave?
Sheffield Wednesday’s pursuit of Duncan McGuire seems to be out of their hands, but their intention of signing a new goalscorer is very clear.
With the likes of Bailey Cadamarteri and Ike Ugbo also at the club, they really don’t need Lee Gregory on the books and should be looking to move him on.
Selling either Gregory or Michael Smith seems like the ideal solution before tomorrow’s deadline, with the former’s contract set to expire in the summer.
Shifting some of his wages would be a huge help either way, so The Owls really shouldn’t be making it too difficult for him to earn his move away and get regular football.
Otherwise Danny Rohl is going to have six or seven strikers to keep happy for the rest of the season.
As for a new attacker, it remains to be soon who Sheffield Wednesday can get their hands on before 11pm tomorrow.