Sheffield Wednesday: Owls receive boost in defender chase as rumoured target leaves club

The highly-rated 24-year-old was linked with the Owls earlier in the summer, after his manager claimed the centre-back was eager to secure a move to a Championship side. Coventry did attempt to keep their player at the club with a new deal, but their extension talks proved futile as the player’s exit was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.

Wednesday boss Steve Bruce has operated shrewdly in the summer transfer window thus far, attempting to secure a host of free agent deals for the likes of German defender Julian Borner and rapid winger Kadeem Harris.

Certainly, Willis has proved himself a quality defender in League One, and looks to have the ability necessary to succeed in the English second tier.

However, the Owls aren't the only team said to be monitoring the former England youth international closely, with The 72 claiming that Derby County, Bristol City and Hull City are also in the running to secure his services. Furthermore, Wednesday seem more likely to pursue tried and tested option Michael Hector, who is unlikely to be required at Chelsea this season.

Meanwhile, Wednesday have again been linked with a move for veteran midfielder Lee Cattermole, who left Sunderland earlier in the week following the expiry of his contract at the Stadium of Light.

The Star understands that Bruce previously had little interest in making the deal happen, but given the player's new free agent status, it will be interesting to see whether the Owls reconsider the possibility.