Owls hunt seven players

Tuesday, 14/06/2011

by Dan Allen, Shoot’s Sheffield Wednesday blogger

Sheffield Wednesday’s hopes of signing Neil Mellor have been dealt a blow after the striker rejected a pay cut to move to Hillsborough.

A fee had been agreed with Preston North End, however Wednesday Chief Executive Paul Aldridge failed to reach an agreement with the player’s agent over the weekend. 

Mellor is one of Preston’s highest earners and has stated his desire to make his switch to Hillsborough permanent, therefore there remains a good chance of the two parties reaching a deal.

The former Liverpool youngster, 28, hit 20 goals whilst on a season-long loan from the Lancashire club and manager Gary Megson has identified him as one of his seven remaining transfer targets.

North End Chairman Maurice Lindsay said: “Wednesday have failed to agree terms with the player and at this stage he will be coming back at the end of June to Preston.”

Wednesday boss Megson is looking to complete the free transfer of Charlton midfielder Jose Semedo. The Portuguese is out of contract at the Valley, and the Owls boss recently made a trip to South East London for talks with the player.

“He is a good player, I’d like to do something with him," said Megson.

Wednesday face tough competition for the signature of Dagenham winger Danny Green, who is being tracked by Peterborough, Ipswich and Coventry.  The Owls had a bid rejected for the 22-year-old last week and it remains to be seen whether they rekindle their interest. 

If the club were to secure the duo it would represent a significant coup; both deals are still possibilities and Wednesday’s renewed financial muscle is sure to be a factor.

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