OWLS TALKING WITH JEFFERS

It means that Wednesday's summer-long search for a striker could be nearing its end.

In an effort to replace Steve MacLean they made bids for Scunthorpe's Billy Sharp and Southampton's Kenwyne Jones and Grzegorz Rasiak and have been linked strongly with many forwards, including Newcastle's Andy Carroll and Watford's Darius Henderson.

In turning to Jeffers the Owls are lining up a striker who has a Premiership pedigree but is still only 26.

A fee – rumoured to be worth around 700,000 – is believed to have been agreed.

The final part of the deal will be agreeing terms with Jeffers.

He was earmarked for a summer to move to Ipswich – the Owls' opponents this Saturday – after a successful spell on loan with them last season.

But the affair dragged on and eventually the Portman Road deal fell through – with personal terms said to have been the sticking point. Ipswich then signed Pablo Counago from Malaga instead.

Brian Laws only last week commented on how he has seen high inflation in the transfer market in the last six months, with fees and players' wage demands soaring, so the Owls have faced a difficult task in landing the right man.

But Laws will hope that a deal can be sealed before Saturday's match at Portman Road.

David Graham has been removed from the Hillsborough wage bill after his contract was cancelled and, as expected, he has joined League One outfit Gillingham after his trial there. The 28-year-old has signed a one-year contract, with manager Ronnie Jepson saying: "David knows where the goal is and will complement our already good strike force.

"This year we need greater strength in depth. Signing players of David's ability shows that we want to have a right go."

Graham joined Wednesday for 250,000 from Wigan two years ago.

Deon Burton's escape from a League suspension has been confirmed. He has received a two-match ban for his sending-off in Holland. It applies only to two reserve games but he is struggling for Saturday's opener at Ipswich because of a knee injury.

Former Owls midfield man Steve Adams has signed for his old boss Paul Sturrock at Swindon after spending pre-season with the club.

Southampton

have had a dig at Derby after rejecting a 5m bid from the Rams for Kenwyne Jones, saying it "substantially undervalues" the former Owls loan striker.

Saints are are said to be unhappy with the manner of Derby's initial approach for Jones, but have yet to comment on whether they are considering taking further action.