Potential Sheffield Wednesday signing update as formal offer for former Arsenal youngster is confirmed

The Star reported last month that the teenage defender, who is approaching the end of his current contract at Southampton, had been spotted playing for Lee Bullen’s U23 side at Middlewood Road, and it has always been thought that they were keen to try and get him on board.

Following a number of exits, and the prospect of several U23s playing a part in Darren Moore’s first team plans, there is no surprise that Bullen is looking to bolster the club’s youth ranks, and it’s now been confirmed that they have tabled an official offer to the former Arsenal youngster – who is also being looked at by Stoke City.

Speaking to The Star about the 19-year-old’s situation, ‘Bully’ said, “The latest thing on David is that he went and played a game at Stoke, but we’ve made a formal offer to him… We’re just waiting to hear back from David, and I think there has been a counter offer come back, but I don’t know exactly where we are with it.

“We’re not going to be throwing bucketloads of money about, especially at U23 level…”

He also went on to praise the Southampton defender, saying, “I really liked what I saw, I thought there was big room for improvement, and I think that he plays the way that Darren Moore would like to play - and he’s also big, powerful and quick.

“We’d love to have him on board, but ultimately the decision is in their boat.”

The young centre back has been with the Saints since leaving Arsenal in 2018, and landed his first professional contract last year after impressing in the club’s famed youth academy.

Now though, as he looks for the next step in his career, it remains to be seen whether it’ll be Sheffield, Stoke, or somewhere else that he ends up playing his football next season.

Wednesday are still believed to currently be in the midst of a transfer embargo, however can still sign players as long as they are free agents and there are no fees involved.

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