Exclusive:Sheffield Wednesday in contract talks with Owls duo amid Premier League interest
Sheffield Wednesday are believed to have opened up contract talks with talented duo, Will Grainger and Yisa Alao.
Alao turns 17 today and Grainger does so later this week on Thursday, making the pair eligible to sign their first professional contracts at the club.
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Wednesday have been in a difficult position regarding new signings and new contracts for a while now – even regarding youngsters – however the hope is that the progress made in recent weeks can open things up for them a little. The English Football League have given them permission to sign two free agents, and there is optimism that keeping hold of their promising teenagers would be allowed, too.
It was confirmed in the latest Engagement Panel meeting that two players were in negotiations ‘despite Premier League interest’, and The Star understands that the two players in question are Grainger and Alao.
The section in the minutes read, “Kris Wigfield added that contract negotiations with two youth players, who are turning 17-years-old, have commenced this week, in order to protect their value for SWFC, despite Premier League interest, and to also let the new owner strategically decide the way forward.”
Sheffield Wednesday want to secure deals for their talented youngsters
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Both players, despite their young age, have gone on to make their senior debuts this season, and they’re tipped for bright futures in blue and white – if they end up remaining at Hillsborough.
The club’s current situation financially makes Wednesday an uncertain option for the players, however one thing that does play in the Owls’ favour is the fact that first team football is genuinely on the table at this point in time. Big clubs in the top-flight will be trying to tempt them away, though.
Henrik Pedersen will be hoping that deals can be struck as soon as possible so they can focus on their football, but – as we’ve seen many times before – that’s not always the case. All Wednesdayites can do for now is cross their fingers.