Wednesday’s transfer hopes

Friday, 03/06/2011

by Dan Allen, Shoot’s Sheffield Wednesday blogger

The rumour mill is in full swing at Hillsborough with a number of potential targets linked with a switch to S6.

Sources from inside the club say that one big signing is being lined up, with the board believing it will make fans “sit up and take notice” as they plan a quick return to the Championship.

Wednesday, the bookies’ early favourites for the League One title, have been strongly linked with out-of-contract Nottingham Forest forward Nathan Tyson. However, it remains to be seen whether the former Wycombe striker would be willing to reunite with former boss Gary Megson in the third tier.

Another one of Megson’s former charges, Jason Koumas, who the Owls boss worked with at West Brom, is another name to be heavily linked with a switch following his expected release from Wigan Athletic. 

Perhaps a more realistic target is Joey O’Brien. The Irishman has been released from Bolton following a succession of injuries and featured prominently in Megson’s side during his reign at the North West club. 

Having previously had a successful loan spell with the Owls in the 2004-05 season, he arrived back at Hillsborough in March but failed to make as big an impact, clearly struggling for form after two years on the sidelines. However his versatility and Premier League experience will attract plenty of suitors outside the top-flight with Wednesday a logical choice for a summer move.

The Wednesday boss has not ruled out the idea of loan deals, and he is attempting to bring back Danny Batth from Wolves to partner Rob Jones in defence.  Everton starlet James Wallace, fresh from extending his stay at the Merseyside club, is another player reportedly being eyed up after an excellent loan spell at Stockport County. 

Neil Mellor, one of the few success stories in what was a disappointing campaign, is believed to be on Megson’s wanted list but may be wanted back at parent club Preston following their relegation.  The former Liverpool striker will command a fee and will test Wednesday’s new-found spending power.

Rochdale duo Scott Wiseman and Chris O’Grady are other names to be rumoured following two outstanding seasons at Spotland, as the Owls boss looks to strengthen in all departments with experienced players.

What is clear is Milan Mandaric’s desire for success – Wednesday were one of the biggest spenders in the Football League in January, shelling out £1m on new players, and the Serb is determined to do whatever it takes to get the Owls out of League One. 

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