Sheffield Wednesday interested in exciting defender Reece James – but a deal looks tricky

Wednesday scouts were at several Doncaster Rovers matches last year and a player that piqued their interest was talented left-back Reece James who as it stands is out of contract in the coming weeks.

James, 27, was one of Moore’s key men during his time at Rovers having signed from Sunderland in the summer of 2019. A consistent attacking threat from the wide areas, he scored seven goals in League One last season across his 43 matches and can play in midfield.

But relegation to the third tier has made Wednesday a less attractive proposition and as it stands could stand in their way of any potential attempt to take any initial interest any further.

Rovers are predictably keen to keep hold of one of their key men and are understood to have offered James a new deal to stay at the Keepmoat having announced the addition of new manager, former Doncaster player Richie Wellens.

It’s set to be a busy summer for Wednesday as Moore attempts to re-mould his squad for the new challenges of third tier football.

The Owls have a number of first team players in the final weeks of their contract, with a retained list expected in the coming days that could confirm the futures of the likes of Adam Reach, Kadeem Harris, Jordan Rhodes and Tom Lees.

Though the majority of contracted players have been the subject of wage decrease clauses, the club are predictably working on a tighter budget due the financial restrictions imposed upon them by relegation.

Speaking after the drop was confirmed by their last day draw at Derby County earlier this month, Moore hinted at a busy few months.

“Whether we’d stayed in the Championship or we hadn’t, it was an important summer, regardless of what had happened today,” he said.

“That’s because of the situation that we’re on and the situation that this squad is in.

“We’ll be looking at that immediately, straight away, because there is no time to be wasted on that.

“I have plans. We have to have the conversations that need to be had first before we move forward.”

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