Sheffield Wednesday captain, Barry Bannan, could be the subject of offers from clubs in England and Scotland this month.

Bannan signed a new deal with the Owls at the start of the season with a substantial wage cut in order to comply with the rules put in place by the English Football League during Dejphon Chansiri’s tenure, despite better offers elsewhere from other Championship clubs.

Now, with Wednesday still waiting to be taken over, there have been reports of interest in the 36-year-old midfield maestro, with Sky Sports stating that Millwall, Stoke City and Preston North End are all keen. The Lions were a team Bannan turned down in the summer.

Barry Bannan could leave Sheffield Wednesday

The Owls skipper, who it’s believed still retains hopes of forcing his way into the Scotland squad for the World Cup, has sacrificed plenty in order to remain loyal to the Owls, but Wednesday’s resolve in trying times may well be tested this month.

On top of the interest from Wednesday’s Championship rivals, The Star understands that Motherwell and another non-Old Firm club in the Scottish Premiership are looking to try and take Bannan north of the border, and it does appear that they could come knocking before the transfer window ends. All of the clubs interested can offer more than he’s currently earning, and are all more competitive as well.

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Henrik Pedersen, who has spoken glowingly of his number 10 on many occasions, has made it clear that doesn’t want to lose anyone this month, and you’d expect that that is especially the case when it comes to the man that wears the armband.

It remains to be seen what sort of offer, if any, would be considered by those currently in charge of the club’s finances with regards to a possible Bannan departure, but few fans would begrudge him a move if it’s something he wanted to do now after all he’s given to the club over the last decade.

The Scot is by no means the only player at Hillsborough who is of interest to other clubs at this point in time, but there is no exit that would be as painful. An anxious couple of weeks await.