Latest on Sheffield Wednesday's interest in Reece James as Doncaster Rovers boss asks for 'a bit of respect'

The Owls, who last week confirmed that no fewer than 10 senior players would leave the club on a free transfer at the end of their current contract, has spoken about the need for fresh faces at Hillsborough as he attempts to mend the wounds of a frustrating relegation from the Championship.

Among the names Wednesday have considered is 27-year-old left-back Reece James he of Moore’s former club Doncaster Rovers, who is also as it stands coming towards the end of his Keepmoat contract.

As reported last week, Wednesday watched James in matches last season and took a liking, though relegation from the second tier significantly reduced their chances of signing him.

The Star’s sister paper Doncaster Free Press reported outright that he had intimated to the club that he would only leave Rovers for a Championship club.

Our understanding is that nothing has changed on that front, with the Free Press reporting James’ representatives are exploring interest from a handful of teams in the second tier.

Speaking amid these reports, new Doncaster boss Richie Wellens told media the versatile player – who can also play in midfield – remains a big part of his plans and that the club would appreciate a decision sooner rather than later on his future.

“I’ve tried my best to sell myself to him and detailed how we’re going to play,” Wellens said.

“The ball lies in his court now. We’ve just asked for a bit of respect in him making the decision as early as he can because if it doesn’t go the way we want it to and he decides to go elsewhere, we obviously need to make other plans.

“I’m very hopeful Reece will stay.”

James started out at Manchester United before enjoying permanent spells at Wigan and Sunderland.

He was signed to Doncaster by Moore predecessor Grant McCann, but was a key man in the Moore sides that had put themselves in League One playoff contention before first the 2019/20 curtailment and the manager’s arrival at Wednesday last season.

Wednesday are understood to be looking mainly in the free agency and loan markets during this transfer window.

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