Scottish international, Premier League starlet – The defenders linked with Sheffield Wednesday so far this window

Wednesday lost Ben Heneghan for the season last year, currently have Michael Ihiekwe out injured, and there remain big question marks over whether or not Mark McGuinness will end up getting recalled by his parent club, Cardiff City.

With all that in mind there are no surprises that Darren Moore is in the market for at least one new defender in the January window, here is a look at all that have been linked so far…

Ryan Porteous

This one always felt like a bit of a long shot given how highly-rated the Scottish international is, but – with his contract up at the end of the season – Wednesday were one of the clubs linked with a potential move for him.

Now though, it’s teams from the Serie A and Bundesliga being linked with a January move, which makes you think the talented centre back may not be heading to League One.

Max Johnston

Another player north of the border that the Owls were linked with towards the end of last year was Motherwell’s Johnston, a young right back who has turned a few heads in Scotland.

He’d been on loan at Cove Rangers until recently, but has since been recalled by his parent club. Whatever happens, it doesn’t feel like he’d be a ‘for now’ signing even if it did happen.

James Hill

The Star revealed this week that the Owls had identified Hill as a potential target this month as a possible option to come in to help out their backline, with the former Fleetwood Town centre back having plenty of experience in League One and – at 20 – plenty of youthfulness on his side.

He has barely featured for AFC Bournemouth this season, so could well be available on loan should the right opportunity arise.

Aden Flint

Rumours surrounding a loan return for the 33-year-old began circulating on Wednesday forums a few days ago, and The Star has since been informed that his name is one that has been mentioned by the club.

Flint has a wealth of experience and is out-of-favour at Stoke City – a loan move could suit both parties.

Luke McNally

McNally’s name is another that The Star was informed had made his way onto Wednesday’s list of prospective signings, and the fact that he’s been left out so often at Burnley means that he may well be open to the switch.

The 23-year-old central defender joined the Clarets from Oxford United not long back, and knows all about the division that Wednesday are trying to get out of.

Tayo Edun

Edun is the latest name that’s been mentioned in the media, with Lancashire Liver reporting that the Owls are one of several League One outfits keeping tabs on the 24-year-old’s situation at Blackburn Rovers.

He’s not featured much this season, and his versatility in being able to play down the left side but also in central midfield may interest Moore should it have any legs.

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