EXCLUSIVE: Sheffield Wednesday bid for Josh Windass rejected by Wigan Athletic
Sheffield Wednesday have taken a hit in the battle to sign Wigan Athletic forward Josh Windass after a bid was rejected by the club’s receivers, The Star can reveal.
The 26-year-old, who scored three goals in nine games while on loan at Hillsborough last season, is set to leave the Latics after financial turmoil saw them slapped with a points deduction and subsequent relegation to League One.
A handful of others clubs are believed to be circling around Windass, who in total bagged seven goals in 24 Championship matches in an injury-disturbed 2019/20 campaign.
Earlier this summer a devastating run of events saw Wigan placed in administration, meaning the club’s assets – including contracted players – are being managed by receivers while new ownership is sought.
A handful of Latics players have already moved on, including Owls new boy Chey Dunkley, who signed on at S6 last week after a new contract at Wigan failed to materialise.
It has been known for some time that Wednesday were considering making Windass’ loan move permanent. The Star understands ‘tentative initial enquiries’ were made with the club earlier this month, but that a firm offer has now been knocked back.
Owls boss Garry Monk has previously described his admiration for Windass’ natural fitness and attitude. Asked about the forward’s Owls future in June, he said: “We will have to see at that point. Right now with Josh it is about him focusing on getting back to fitness.
“We will have to see at the end of this period of games where we are at and what we can do. We will have those conversations possibly.
“I think very highly of Josh and I think he would be a great asset for ourselves. Those conversations will come further down the line if and when.”
Windass has also previously worked with new Wednesday assistant manager James Beattie, who gave him his first full professional contract while manager of Accrington Stanley.
Wednesday currently have only one senior striker on the books in Jordan Rhodes.