Sheffield Wednesday confirm loan signing of former Holland youth international Alessio Da Cruz

The fiery 23-year-old joins until the end of the season and is expected to slot into first team contention in Garry Monk’s squad having had his loan at Italian second-tier side Ascoli cut short earlier this month.

He can play across the front three and is best known for his dribbling, passing and direct style of play. It is not known whether Wednesday have the option to buy in the deal.

The signing represents a boost with Monk having repeatedly stressed the importance of adding firepower to his squad, who have lost five times in their last six league outings and are without injured top scorer Steven Fletcher for around two months.

Da Cruz said: “It has always been my dream to play in England and with this opportunity I am really happy.

“I am attracted by the fan base of Sheffield Wednesday, a big club in a big league and it will be a big test to see how far I have come as a player.

“I like to play second striker or winger, I am a creative player with pace. I am looking forward to meeting my team mates and staff

“I want to be involved straight away if possible and I am ready to play.”

Da Cruz, who started his career at Ajax before short spells at Twente and Novara, notched six goals and weighed in with six assists in 18 matches in all competitions for the Serie B side.

He is understood to have completed a medical with the Owls on Wednesday an becomes their second signing of the window after that of Argentine youngster Manuel Hidalgo from Italian third tier outfit Triestina.

The Dutchman, who was capped at both under-18 and under-20 level by his country, left Ascoli under something of a cloud having been shown three straight red cards in his 18 matches there.

It was reported that Da Cruz was the subject of interest from Premier League giants Arsenal in his Novara days.