Wednesday hopeful of bringing in Premier League target for next game

Harry McMullen
Connor Wickham: Building up for FA Cup final

Connor Wickham: Building up for FA Cup final

Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk has added fuel to the transfer fire, by commenting on the club’s need to recruit before their next Championship game – with Connor Wickham on their radar.

The Owls have been linked with the Crystal Palace striker Wickham, ever since Palace boss Roy Hodgson had expressed his permission for the forward to leave the club on a loan.

Wickham has previously played at Hillsborough on two loan spells from his former club Sunderland – impressing both times.

 

 

According to The Sun on Sunday, Wednesday had offered to pay £12,000 of Wickham’s weekly wages – but this is believed to be way below Palace’s expectations.
The Eagles will be looking for a half-season loan, in order to give Wickham some game time.
The 26-year-old has been hit with a series of injuries since he moved to Selhurst Park in 2015 – failing to establish himself as a regular in the Palace side.
Monk spoke to the press about potential transfers after the club’s 5-0 hammering against Blackburn Rovers – which was Wednesday’s third straight league defeat.

He said: “As I said at the very start, it’s a very difficult market we’re in, that loans market. It’s competitive.

“It’s not just about wanting a player and agreeing things from your side. It has to be agreed from the other side. There’s competition.

“There’s decisions that need to be made, not just from us. From players that might be involved, from clubs that might be involved.

“So it’s not just as simple as saying you want that player and we’re prepared to give this. That’s why it takes that time – but we hope we can get it over the line before Wigan”

Wickham, if fit, is a proven goal scorer in the Championship – scoring at Leeds, Ipswich and Palace in previous seasons.
The Owls would have to up their wage contribution if they are to secure the services of the frontman but he could be the difference in getting their promotion push back on track.
The club’s recruitment may be the last of their worries with a looming EFL Financial Fair Play case set against them – which could result in a points deduction, a transfer ban or expulsion from the league all together.
The potential addition of Wickham might turn in to a survival addition rather than a promotion one, just yet.