23-year-old’s stance on potential Sheffield Wednesday transfer emerges as six-figure bid revealed | OneFootball

Hull City forward Mallik Wilks is open to a move to League One side Sheffield Wednesday this summer, according to a latest update from Yorkshire Live.

The 23-year-old was a regular starter under Grant McCann during the first half of the 2021/22 campaign after playing a big part in helping the Tigers clinch promotion back to the Championship at the end of the season before that.

However, neither he nor Josh Magennis did enough to retain their first-team places under Shota Arveladze with the latter being sold to Wigan Athletic and the former rarely featuring under the Georgian.

25 quiz questions about Sheffield Wednesday managers from over the years that will really test your knowledge

1 of 25

When did Sheffield Wednesday appoint Darren Moore as their manager?

2018 2019 2020 2021

An injury did play a part in Wilks’ exclusion – but Hull want to move him on this summer in their quest to level up their first-team squad in the coming months – and he hasn’t been short of interest.

Birmingham City are one side that are believed to be interested in luring him away from the MKM Stadium, though it’s currently unclear whether their recent managerial change has changed their stance.

The Owls, meanwhile, reportedly offered £200,000 for his services and though they are yet to strike an agreement with the Tigers, they have retained their interest in the winger, who can also operate as a striker. The two sides have remained in talks as they seek to agree a fee, with a two-year deal potentially on the table for the 23-year-old.

The Verdict:

This could be a good move for all parties – because Wilks proved himself to be a real asset during the 2020/21 campaign in the third tier and could be a great addition to the forward department following Michael Smith’s arrival.

Smith will be a real asset alongside Lee Gregory if the duo start together, though Wilks could also be in the starting lineup if he can prove his worth at Hillsborough, with this deal well worth pursuing.

£200,000 is a very small fee for a forward that proved to the so influential to the Tigers’ promotion-winning 2020/21 season, so it’s no real surprise that bid has been knocked back by officials in East Yorkshire.

However, if he’s available for even double that, it’s still a bargain agreement if they can get this deal over the line without the risk of breaching the EFL’s profitability and sustainability rules.

From Hull’s point of view, they will want to see him depart in their quest to bring in new faces so this sustained interest is good for all parties, with a potential move to South Yorkshire providing the forward with a fresh start.