Sheffield Wednesday: Owls face fight to sign Daniel Pudil

Sheffield Wednesday will have to beat off competition from a host of other clubs to bring left-back Daniel Pudil back to Hillsborough.
Keiren Westwood, left, and Daniel PudilKeiren Westwood, left, and Daniel Pudil
Keiren Westwood, left, and Daniel Pudil

In recent weeks, talks have been held between Wednesday and Pudil’s parent club Watford. But The Star understands several other Championship clubs have expressed an interest in the defender’s services this summer.

The Hornets are thought to be holding out for a £2million fee for the 30-year-old and their valuation has put off the Owls. Carlos Carvalhal’s side still want to sign him in time for pre-season training, which gets underway on July 4, but are eager to do a deal at a lower price.

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Pudil enjoyed a productive season long-loan stint at Hillsborough last season, making 42 appearances in their run to the Championship Play-Off final.

He has since returned to Watford but is not part of the Premier League club’s long-term plans. Pudil has one year remaining on his Hornets contract.

It is understood Wednesday remain Pudil’s preferred destination.

Pudil is currently away on international duty. He started in the Czech Republic’s 2-0 loss to Turkey in midweek. Defeat saw the Czech’s crash out of the European Championships in France.

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Meanwhile, the Owls will entertain relegated Aston Villa in the opening weekend of the 2016/17 season. It will take place on Sunday, August 7, kick-off 4:30pm and be televised live on Sky Sports.

Three days later, Wednesday travel to League Two outfit Cambridge United in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Carvalhal’s men round off a busy week with a trip to Norwich City on Saturday, August 13.