It is not going to be simple for Sheffield Wednesday and Garry Monk when the Championship’s tough 46-game slog begins in earnest next month. The Owls are, of course, set to start with a 12-point deduction leaving them playing catch up from the off.
It is, however, a new climate for all football clubs in England. League One and Two clubs are limited in what they can do with their salary cap, while there are teams in the second tier who have a good budget and others who don’t what with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
As always, scroll down and click through for all the latest from around the Owls, Championship – news, transfer speculation and more.
1. Derby and Brentford want midfielder
Derby County will battle Brentford for the signing of Gideon Offe. The Ghanaian youngster is wanted by clubs in Italy and MLS but the Bees appear to be leading the way to recruit the midfielder on a four-year deal. (Football Made in Ghana) Photo: Marc Atkins
2. Millers near striker
Rotherham United are nearing a deal for Dominic Samuel to become only their second summer recruit following promotion to the Championship. The striker was one of the players released by Blackburn Rovers at the end of the season and had been on the radar of Blackpool. (Lancashire Telegraph) Photo: Michael Regan
3. Owls lose key man
Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt a blow ahead of pre-season with the departure of strength and conditioning coach Luke Cooper. He played a key role in preparing players for their return to action, especially the resumption after the football shutdown. (The Star) Photo: Christopher Lee
4. New club enter Moore race
Stoke City are the latest club to join the race for in-demand Wigan Athletic striker Kiefer Moore. It appeared Middlesbrough and Cardiff City were leading the race for the Wales star who could be available for as little as £1.8m. Others interested include Derby County, Millwall and QPR. (The Sun) Photo: VLADIMIR SIMICEK