Revealed: Why Sheffield Wednesday pulled out of the race to sign Wigan Athletic star Nick Powell

Sources close to the Owls have confirmed the Championship club inquired about Powell's services as manager Steve Bruce aims to revamp his squad this summer.

But The Star understands the attacking midfielder's high wage demands put Wednesday off a possible move.

Powell, who has spent three years at the Latics after leaving Premier League big boys Manchester United, is now a free agent after reportedly turning down a £1 million-a-year contract at the Lancashire outfit. Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers are thought to be big admirers of the 25-year-old but Powell is expected to join Wednesday's second-tier rivals Stoke City.

Former England Under-21 international Powell, a graduate of Crewe Alexandra's youth system, scored eight goals as Wigan retained their Championship status this season.

Dom Howson’s Sheffield Wednesday column

Despite giving up on a deal for Powell, Bruce is keen to add to his midfield options. Wednesday are down on numbers in that department, having opted not to renew David Jones, Almen Abdi and George Boyd's contracts.

Bruce, preparing for his first full transfer window as Owls boss, is targeting six summer signings.

The former Manchester United defender, who has made it clear he wants add more youth and pace to the squad, said: "We would all like to get business done early but sometimes it is difficult, especially with the big clubs.

"The Premier League clubs don't make their mind up on certain players until they name their 25-man squads so sometimes you have to be a bit patient to wait to see what you can get and that is what we do.

"We are not going to sign anyone for the sake of it."