Jos Luhukay wants this in-form Sheffield Wednesday player to stay on at Hillsborough

The 25-year-old, currently on a season long-loan spell from Vitoria de Setubal, has established himself as a key component in Luhukay’s three-man defence.

Venancio starred in Saturday’s goalless draw at champions Wolves as Wednesday claimed a third successive clean sheet.

But the former Portugal Under-21 international is set to return to his parent club following the Owls’ final match of the season at home to Norwich City on Sunday.

However, The Star understands Wednesday have the option to buy Venancio on a full-time basis this summer.

Luhukay said: “Fred has played from the first day that I came in. He did a very good job against Wolves.

“I like the way he plays and I hope that we can make an agreement with him. But we know he’s on loan so it depends on his club in Portugal Vitoria de Setubal whether we can have an agreement with his club.”

Venancio, drafted in by Carlos Carvalhal last August, barely featured under the former Owls boss. His only outing came in Carvalhal’s last match in charge against Middlesbrough.

But the Portuguese defender has been a first-team regular in the second half of the campaign, making 24 starts in all competitions.

It is not just Venancio who Luhukay is looking to tie down. He has also confirmed the Hillsborough club have held discussions with Atdhe Nuhiu’s representatives and is optimistic the striker will prolong his Wednesday stay. Nuhiu’s contract runs out this summer.