Sheffield Wednesday: Owls still in talks with Watford over Daniel Pudil

Owls Daniel Pudil throws his boots into the crowd at the final whistle...Pic Steve Ellis

Sources close to the defender say he is keen to return to South Yorkshire after excelling while on loan with the Owls last season. He featured prominently in Carlos Carvalhal’s side’s march to the Championship Play-Off final, making 42 appearances.

His impressive displays culminated in him being included in the Czech Republic squad for this summer’s European Championships in France.

Owls Daniel Pudil celebrates with two goal Gary Hooper...Pic Steve Ellis

After the Czech’s Euro exit, Pudil said: “I would like to go back to Sheffield Wednesday as a first option. I don’t think I have any chance of playing for Watford and I don’t want to go back there.”

For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here

Although Watford have changed their head coach over the summer, the Hornets are thought to be willing to offload Pudil.

But The Star understands the two clubs still can’t come to an agreement on a transfer fee.

For more news from Hillsborough click here

As revealed by this newspaper last month, the Hornets have slapped a £2million price tag on Pudil. Given Pudil turns 31 in September and only has one year left on his contract at Vicarage Road, Wednesday consider the London club’s valuation of the player to be too dear.

The Owls had hoped to capture Pudil before the start of pre-season training. Negotiations remain ongoing.

It is the second occasion they have attempted to broker a deal for Pudil, having already tried to buy him last January.

Pudi has been on Watford’s books since 2013 after arriving from Granada.

Follow Dom Howson on twitter