Administrator confirms Sheffield Wednesday talks with EFL - ex-Leeds United man Liam Cooper on alert
Sheffield Wednesday are in talks with the EFL over an alleviation of recruitment restrictions that have prevented them from adding to their squad, with a former Leeds United captain understood to be a prime target.
In light of months of financial distress, cashflow forecasts provided to the body’s independent Club Financial Reporting Unit (CFRU) over the last months have not allowed the EFL to permit Wednesday to add free agents to what is a threadbare changing room.
Harry Amass arrived on deadline day in a loan switch from Manchester United due to the Old Trafford club agreeing to pay all costs on the deal, while goalkeepers Ethan Horvath and Joe Lumley - since come and gone - have been sanctioned only on an emergency basis.
Cashflow has been improved by the reversal of a fan spending boycott since Dejphon Chansiri placed the club in administration. The Star reported earlier this week that the Owls were in talks with the EFL with a view to re-opening the possibility of signing free agents, which is permitted outside of a transfer window.
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The Star revealed interest from Wednesday in the signing of former Leeds United captain Liam Cooper as far back as August and with the 34 yet to find new employment since leaving CSKA in July, he has always remained a main target should the opportunity arise. Two-time Owl Jack Hunt has spent time at Middlewood Road in recent months, though it was suggested at the time that it was on a training brief only.
Speaking to BBC Sheffield, joint-administrator Kris Wigfield said: “There’s a possibility. We are looking to give the manager as much help as we possibly can.
“We’ve had conversations with the EFL and there are some hurdles to get through with FIFA and with the EFL. We’re hopeful we can do that and if we could just bring in one or two free agents to help the manager and make the club a little bit more competitive, particularly when we get injuries or he needs to make substitutions, then that would be fantastic.
“No promises at this stage, but we’re hopeful we can get one or two more players in for after the international break.”