Exclusive:Latest on Aston Villa youngster and why Sheffield Wednesday move is off after talks
One Sheffield Wednesday transfer consideration will be moving elsewhere as the Owls’ busy summer of activity continues.
An Aston Villa youngster who held transfer talks over a loan switch to Sheffield Wednesday is heading elsewhere.
The Owls held talks with right winger Tommi O’Reilly last week after the two clubs came to an outline agreement over the terms of his loan - which could have proven to be the third transfer window agreement of the summer between the pair following the transfers of Sil Swinkels and Louie Barry.
Discussions appeared to be pushing forward but it seems the 22-year-old will be instead making the switch elsewhere after his Wednesday move stalled moving into the weekend. The Star reported on Friday that an Owls deal was unlikely and understands there were talks held with senior club figures, including Henrik Pedersen, over his role and position within the squad as Wednesday seek to build-out their preferred profile. The understanding is that those discussions did not align and the ceasing of talks is believed to have been entirely amicable as both parties progress towards the new campaign.
O’Reilly was understood to be enticed by the opportunity to play at Hillsborough amid wide interest from a host of clubs but after those talks will now move in a different direction as he looks to continue his career momentum. He enjoyed great success in League Two last season on loan with Crewe Alexandra, scoring seven times and claiming 12 assists across a full compliment of 46 league matches. Reports from the Midlands suggest he is pressing on with a switch to the Owls’ third tier colleagues Notts County.
Wednesday are continuing their busy summer. Another Villa youngster is known to be of interest, with ex-Manchester City prospect Kane Taylor believed to be keen on moving into League One after a stint with Oldham Athletic in the fourth tier last season. Taylor, 21, is centrally a holding midfielder who can play on the left side of defence.
Recruitment staff are undertaking work to strengthen their attacking ranks and have made progress on a deal that would see Hull City forward Mason Burstow arrive to S6 on loan. The 22-year-old, formerly of Chelsea, spent last season with Bolton Wanderers and provided 12 goals and five assists as they were promoted from League One via the play-offs. Reports in East Yorkshire suggest Burstow will now not travel to the Tigers’ next pre-season trip to Turkey this as he seeks to complete his Owls switch.