Sheffield Wednesday: ‘Excessive fee’ sticking point regarding striker transfer – reports

Derby County’s interest in the forward is no secret, with Paul Warne eager to reunite with the forward in order to aid the Rams’ promotion bid, however talk of a move has been going on for some time now without any real progress being made.

Now it’s being reported that Derby have submitted an offer to bring Smith in for the remainder of the 2023/24 season, but it doesn’t look like they’re getting anywhere fast in terms of the negotiations.

BBC Derby Sport put out a report on Twitter today stating, “Derby County have made a loan offer for Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith including a significant wage contribution but we're told the Owls are demanding an excessive fee in return.”

Smith is just one of the names that could still leave the club this month depending on what happens between now and the closure on February 1st, while John Buckley and Devis Vasquez have already departed after their loans were cut short and Tyreeq Bakinson joined Charlton Athletic on loan.

It remains to be seen whether Derby will continue to pursue a deal for the Owls’ top scorer from last season, or if the ‘excessive fee’ mentioned will see them move on to other targets elsewhere.