Who is the former Premier League youngster that played for Sheffield Wednesday under-23s last night?

Alongside fellow trialist Marley Blair, a former Liverpool and Burnley prospect who enjoyed his first outing against Barnsley last week, Giovanni McGregor pulled on an Owls shirt as the Wednesday hierarchy took a closer look.

But who is McGregor and what would he offer the Owls? Let’s take a closer look.

Who is he?

Aged 21, McGregor is a name that has been whispered as one of the leading lights in Crystal Palace’s esteemed academy since he joined the Premier League club after his release from Brentford in 2016.

Better known as ‘Gio’, his efforts in the development side meant he was received a contract extension in June 2019.

At the end of January this year McGregor was sent on loan to National League South side Dartford, where he played one game before the coronavirus crisis halted his progress.

The Eagles’ retained list, published ahead of this season, notes that McGregor was offered a new contract by Palace in the summer but appears to have left the club.

What sort of player is he?

Full of flair and imagination, McGregor is a central attacking midfielder who should fit the ‘young, hungry’ dynamic Owls boss Garry Monk is trying to inject into a transitioning squad.

A natural athlete who works hard, McGregor is quick off the mark and boasts a fierce set piece, having presided over the majority of them for Palace’s development side over the past two seasons.

He scored 10 goals from midfield in the last two seasons for the young Eagles, across 44 appearances.

Diminutive in stature, he has an eye for the spectacular and has scored a number of memorable goals in Palace colours, though there have been concerns over his consistency.

Will Wednesday sign him?

The Star understands that Wednesday are unlikely to drag their heels over McGregor’s future, having seen him perform at Hull last night. A decision could be made as early as today.

McGregor is of the same agency as Garry Monk and James Beattie, among others at Wednesday, though whether that has played a central role in the securing of the youngster’s trial is unconfirmed.

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