Confirmed: Sheffield Wednesday quartet including Connor Wickham extend Owls stay

The news is a welcome boost to Garry Monk and his side, who today lose Steven Fletcher, Morgan Fox and Fernando Forestieri from contention, as well as frozen-out trio Sam Hutchinson, Sam Winnall and David Bates, who returns to his parent club Hamburg.

Monk told The Star following Sunday’s win at Bristol City that the deals were all done barring the paperwork.

Both Da Cruz and Murphy have claimed assists for Wickham’s two goals since the restart, with the big forward having scored in back-to-back matches for the first time since November 2016.

The Star understands that deals with parent clubs were agreed at the start of the month but that paperwork had been delayed to the last minute in order to guard against any late injuries.

Windass, who arrived on deadline day of the January transfer window from Wigan Athletic, is still recovering from an injury that threatened to derail a move he was believed to be keen on.

That recovery continues and he will not feature in tomorrow’s Hillsborough clash with West Brom, but Monk said he was hopeful the attacker would be fit to return for ‘the bulk’ of the run-in.

Wednesday are losing Steven Fletcher, Morgan Fox and Fernando Forestieri from contention as they leave the club today having turned down extensions. Sam Hutchinson and Sam Winnall also move on. David Bates will return to Hamburg.