Sheffield Wednesday: Barry Bannan spells out frank advice to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru over unresolved contract saga

Former Manchester City prospect is enjoying a breakthrough season at Hillsborough having contributed five goals and three assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.

Owls boss Darren Moore has imparted messages of confidence when asked about the progress of talks around Dele-Bashiru’s future in recent weeks, suggesting there were only ‘bits and pieces’ that needed agreeing upon before a deal could be struck.

But with his contract coming to an end in the summer and around five weeks from the January 1 date that will allow clubs outside of England to legally approach Dele-Bashiru on a pre-contract basis, confirmation of any agreement is yet to arrive.

A host of clubs including Dutch giants PSV are understood to be tracking Dele-Bashiru’s progress and asked whether he was concerned by the speculation around Dele-Bashiru, Bannan spoke from experience having raced through the ranks as a youngster at Aston Villa.

“I speak to him now and again but I don’t get too much into all that,” Bannan told The Star. “It’s nothing to do with me.

“I want him to stay, as does the whole changing room, but in football people come and go. It’s part and parcel of football and it’s about how his family see things best for them going forward.

MORE: Sheffield Wednesday to discuss permanent transfer of Mark McGuinness with Cardiff City

“All I can say is that if it was me I would be signing the contract.

“He’s a big part of this team, he’s still young and learning and he still needs to learn. He’s at a place where he’s loved, the fans love him as well.

“From past experience when you get that, the worst thing you can do sometimes is jump ship because it’s not always better on the other side.”

Bannan believes the 21-year-old will go on to achieve good things in the game regardless of where he ends up next season, but has implored his to do so in Wednesday colours.

MORE: Another injury boost from behind the scenes - but no sign of Sheffield Wednesday key man after social media hint

He said: “I’d love him to stay, the team would all love him to stay and the fans as well.

“But it’s down to the player and his family, his agents.

“Whatever he decides to do it’s fair to say he’ll have a bright future and hopefully that’s at Sheffield Wednesday.”