What Joey Pelupessy said about signing a new deal with Sheffield Wednesday as contract nears end

The 26-year-old, who this week outlined his determination to help turn around the club’s ailing fortunes as well as improve his own form, has started four of the Owls’ last five matches in the league having spent most of the season watching on from the sidelines.

Manager Garry Monk has hinted at a number of changes in the summer and alongside the likes of Sam Hutchinson, Steven Fletcher and Kieran Lee, Pelupessy is one of several first team players whose contract runs out in the coming months.

Asked if he wants to stay at the club, the midfielder said: “I'd like to stay because I'm really happy here.

“In every interview I've said I am really happy here, it's an amazing club. I know it now, two years ago when I came here I was looking thinking 'what is going on here?'

“The fans are amazing. I'd really like to stay in England, 100 per cent.”

Pelupessy has not had direct talks with the club over his future and said that he does not want to discuss any talks between them and his agent.

“I haven't spoken with the club yet. Maybe my agent, I should say, but personally with my agent, I don't want to hear this [about contract negotiations], I only want to hear when something is really clear or when we know what is going to happen.

“I want to focus on the pitch and that's the only way to deserve a new contract.”

Asked if that drive for a new deal is pushing members of the squad along, he said: “Every season around this time it starts a little bit because you fight for your contract, you want to stay at a club if you feel good.

“So that's a part of it, but first you do it as a team, you need to be winning games. That's the first thing you have to go for but on the other side, individually, you work for yourself as well.”