Sheffield Wednesday rumours: Owls face competition for title-winning ace, Cardiff City eye ex-Man Utd starlet
Sheffield Wednesday are set for a frantic few months behind the scenes, as they look to rebuild their depleted squad ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The Owls face a daunting challenge to bounce back up to the Championship from League One at the first time of asking, and will need to hit the ground running with some positive momentum if they're to avoid a prolonged stay in the third tier.
Meanwhile, England got Euro 2020 off to a winning start yesterday afternoon, as they defeated Croatia at Wembley Stadium with Raheem Sterling bagging the winner.
Discussing Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate s credentials for the job, ex-Wednesday and England physio Alan Smith, who looked after Southgate when he was playing in Euro '96, said: “He was an international footballer, a very good player. He was always calm and composed and he had the feel of a coach about him even when he was a relatively young player.
“Speaking to him, without any shadow of a doubt. Going back to Euro 96, because of his maturity, his intelligence and his attitude I would have said he was top of the list. He is a very good lad and a really good person as well.”
“I would hope they'll (England) do very, very well. Gareth has a big job on and is a good person to have that type of responsibility. He's played in the European Championships, he's a good lad, mature and experienced now.
“They’ve some good players and like everyone else I’m hoping he and the team can do very, very well.”
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Sheffield Wednesday and the rest of the EFL sides, as the reaction to last season and the build-up to summer transfer window activity continues:
1. Lilywhites linked with Brown
Preston North End have been linked with a move for Chelsea winger Izzy Brown, who will be available on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the month. He's had loan spells away from the Blues with seven different clubs since signing in 2013. (The 72)
Photo: George Wood
2. Hornets eye Serie A starlet
Watford have been tipped to make a move for AC Milan winger Jens Petter Hauge. The £17m-rated ace, who has also been linked with Burnley and Aston Villa, just missed out on a place in Norway's Euro 2020 squad. (Sport Witness)
Photo: Marco Luzzani
3. Whites could move for Gunn
Leeds United are rumoured to be plotting a move for Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn. The £14m stopper, who spent last season on loan with Stoke, is also a key target for Norwich City, who were promoted from the Championship as champions last season. (Football Insider)
Photo: Nathan Stirk
4. Villa urged to sign Hughes
Ex-footballer Noel Whelan has urged Aston Villa to make a move for recently-promoted Watford midfielder Will Hughes, who has been linked with a move to Villa Park. Whelan claimed the 26-year-old could be a "bargain" signing for Dean Smith's side. (Football Insider)
Photo: Richard Heathcote