Sheffield Wednesday manager, Henrik Pedersen, doesn’t believe that the hold-up in talks with Yisa Alao is a ‘money issue’.

The Star has previously revealed that the Owls are in contract discussions with two of their talented youngsters, Alao and Will Grainger, after they reached their 17th birthdays - making them eligible for their first professional deals at the club. However there is known to be interest in both from the Premier League, and BBC Radio Sheffield have reported that there have actively been offers for the defender.

It’s understood that both players are happy at the club, especially given the first-team opportunities being afforded to them at such a young age, however there is lots for them to consider due to the ongoing uncertainty around the future of the Owls amid administration and probable relegation.

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The Owls boss was asked about Alao in particular following the BBC’s reports, not long after he’d featured in the game against Derby County, and while the Dane didn’t go into specifics, he did suggest that it isn’t the financial aspect of any contract offers that is proving to be a sticking point.

Speaking to The Star he said, “I only know that they are still talking about contracts, but nothing new has happened. I don’t think that it’s a money issue in this case, but I don’t know exactly what it is.”

It’s understood that top-end Premier League outfits are among those keen on one or both of the Owls pair, and it’s no surprise considering the progress that they’ve made and the promise shown. Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri recently made the step over to Manchester City after impressing at youth level with the Owls, while Romario Collins followed suit not long afterwards.

Wednesday are still hopeful of securing pro deals for both players as they seek to see them continue their progress through the ranks at Hillsborough, however only time will tell if that happens or not.