Sheffield Wednesday eye loan move for Crystal Palace's Connor Wickham as Garry Monk aims to beef up forward line

Scotland international Fletcher is expected to be out of action for eight to 10 weeks after suffering a knee injury in the Owls’ FA Cup win at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Given Fletcher has netted 12 goals this season, his absence leaves Wednesday with a huge hole to fill in attack.

The Owls, who face Championship leaders Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, are understood to be interested in taking Crystal Palace forward Connor Wickham on loan for the remainder of the season. Wickham, who has struggled for game time with the Premier League club, has previously enjoyed two loans spells at Hillsborough.

“We were looking to bolster our attacking areas, and add to the squad,” said manager Garry Monk. “Of course, with Fletcher being out for that period, it does change that factor even more.

“But we are looking at a market of loans, which is competitive, and the type of window that it is, a lot of team are after the same players.

“It’s difficult, but we are working hard behind the scenes to see if we can get to a solution on a few options. That’s ongoing.”

Another forward that Wednesday have been heavily linked with is highly-rated Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah. It is also believed Bristol City and Nottingham Forest are keen on recruiting Nketiah on a temporary basis.

Monk refused to be drawn on Nketiah, saying: “We have got our targets, and it’s competitive, competing against other teams. But we will keep that (target’s identities) to ourselves.

“I have seen us linked with every name. A lot of that can be agent-driven, to put players out there, players who are looking to move.

“I don’t need to worry about speculation, we have our targets. Hopefully, we will have some news on that soon.”

Monk has an enviable record against Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, having yet to taste defeat in three previous meetings with the Argentine.