Four realistic free transfer targets that could solve Sheffield Wednesday’s left-back issue this summer

Regardless of what division they find themselves in, it’s fair to assume that Sheffield Wednesday will look to add a left-back to their squad this summer.
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A number of players have been tried there and Darren Moore’s most settled system is yet to be known, but it’s something of a glaring hole in the squad at current.

But money is tight and opportunity hasn’t always that forthcoming in recent windows.

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With Brexit regulations having tightened up the chances of plucking someone out of Europe, Wednesday and others may well be looking at what will no doubt be a congested domestic market.

Doncaster Rovers left-back Reece James is out of contract at the end of the season.Doncaster Rovers left-back Reece James is out of contract at the end of the season.
Doncaster Rovers left-back Reece James is out of contract at the end of the season.

Here are four realistic targets, all currently available on free transfers this summer, that Wednesday could be tempted by, whether it’s a signing for the Championship or League One.

Reece James – Doncaster

Now this one would make an awful lot of sense.

One of Doncaster’s most consistent performers, James is very well known to Moore having worked with him in the last two seasons at the Keepmoat.

He can get forward and should Moore plump for a 4-2-3-1, he’s someone that knows the system inside out. He can deputise in midfield and at 27 is a good age.

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Oh, and he’s scored seven goals for Rovers this year. It’s no secret the Owls need goals from all over the pitch.

He’s out of contract in the summer with no sign of an extension option.

Amari’i Bell – Blackburn

A 26-year-old with experience in both the Championship and League One, it’s looking likely that Bell will move on from Ewood Park this summer when his contract comes to an end.

He’s certainly a talent having burst onto the scene with Fleetwood, but has plateaued a touch at Blackburn and is in need of a change.

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Bell is bright, dynamic and is another one that won’t have trouble finding another club.

Dan Potts – Luton

More of a left-back than a flying winger, 26-year-old Potts is something of a hero at Luton, where he has made more than 150 league appearances and has also featured as a centre-half.

He’s another goal threat, having scores seven in the Hatters’ 2017/18 promotion season out of League Two, and at 26 will have no shortage of options if he is to move on to a new challenge

He recovered from a long-term injury early in the season to play a near ever-present part in their season this time out and they may well be keen to keep hold of him.

Greg Cunningham – Preston

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A name fleetingly linked with Wednesday in the last window, Cunningham’s loan move from Cardiff to his old club Preston was made permanent in January in a manoeuvre designed to allow the Deepdale club to fit all of their loan players in their matchday squad.

At 30, he’s not one of the younger options available but his contract is up in the summer. Preston parted ways with long time manager Alex Neil earlier this week, meaning a new boss may well feel the need to come in and change a few things.

There are some reservations over his durability, but if Moore is looking for a bit of experience, the four-cap Republic of Ireland man could fit the bill.

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