Sheffield Wednesday transfer reports: Connor Wickham move ‘edges closer’ with Eddie Nketiah decision expected soon

The 26-year-old former England youth international could be set to embark on his third temporary spell with the Owls, having enjoyed two successful spells on loan from Sunderland in 2013 and 2014.

Wickham’s career has stalled somewhat since those Owls spells that saw him described as a bright young thing in English football and he has seemingly been shunted further down the Palace pecking order by manager Roy Hodgson after the Eagles unveiled the loan signing of Everton forward Cenk Tosun late last week.

With Christian Benteke nearing fitness Hodgson admitted he would not stand in the way if Wickham, who has played only 62 Premier League minutes this season, wanted to move on.

“He needs a regular game of football,” the former England boss said last week.

“He knows we can’t guarantee that here, with Benteke coming back as well. I have no interest in pushing him out of the door. He is a useful man to have around the squad.

“If the situation arises where he is knocking our door down to go out on loan, I wouldn’t stand in his way. I am relaxed about the situation.”

Owls boss Garry Monk reiterated his desire to add to his striking options after the Owls’ 2-0 win over Leeds United and further reports suggest that Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah will make a decision over his short-term future in the next 48 hours.

Bristol City remain favourites to sign the 19-year-old but also face competition from Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, who reportedly emerged as an interested party over the weekend.

It’s understood to be unlikely the club would move for both Wickham and Nketiah unless there were outgoings.

Elsewhere, Wigan Athletic and Celtic are believed to have expressed an interest in taking Jordan Rhodes on a loan deal as Monk looks to re-shape his attacking options following the injury suffered by top scorer Steven Fletcher in the FA Cup win at Brighton.

The Owls are also understood to be interested in Southampton winger Jordan Sims.