There’s been a huge update on the situation regarding Sheffield Wednesday’s outcasted striker Michael Smith.
The 32-year-old scored 18 goals last season as he helped fire Sheffield Wednesday to promotion from League One.
But despite his impressive scoring form, he’s clearly not been favoured by Danny Rohl who’s deployed the striker just seven times since taking charge back in October.
Smith has had a niggling injury to contend with as well, but on the whole it seems like Rohl doesn’t fancy him in this current set up.
And so a move to Derby County has been widely reported.
The Rams wanted to sign Smith last summer, with boss Paul Warne fancying a reunion with his former Rotherham United hit man.
Derby County submit Michael Smith loan offer
And now, it’s been revealed by BBC Sport that League One hopefuls Derby County have in fact submitted a loan offer for Smith.
It’s said that the Rams are willing to pay a significant part of Smith’s wages, which stands at £15,000-a-week according to Salary Sport, but that Sheffield Wednesday are commanding an ‘excessive fee’ on top of the wage contribution.
The Owls have a few names in demand this month with fellow attackers Josh Windass and Lee Gregory also linked with a move away, whilst the likes of Liam Palmer and George Byers have also had exit rumours.
Smith can still play a role for Sheffield Wednesday under Danny Rohl
Smith’s potential exit remains a debatable one.
He remains one of the club’s leading scorers in the Championship this season with three goals, despite having barely featured.
And under Rohl, despite it being a whole new playing style which may be better-suited to players like Bailey Cadamarteri, and Ashley Fletcher it seems, Smith has rarely been given a chance to show the new boss what he can do.
Then with Gregory still looking like a possible transfer exit this month, and incoming players at a minimum right now, keeping a striker like Smith seems like it would be a smart move.
And that might explain why the Owls want a hefty loan fee for the striker.
For Smith though, an exit this month would be best.
He’s a proven striker who can barely get a look-in right now and a reunion with Warne at a promotion-chasing Derby County side would be a hugely exciting move for him.
The Owls return to action at Hillsborough on Friday night, where they face Coventry City in the FA Cup fourth round.