Exclusive: Millwall urged to seal "super" Sheffield Wednesday deal | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has urged Millwall to win the race to sign Barry Bannan this summer.

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes that the signing of free agent Barry Bannan could be a "super" addition for Millwall this summer.

The ongoing crisis at Sheffield Wednesday has unfortunately seen club legend Bannan technically become a free agent as a new deal for the veteran midfielder is yet to be finalised, as players continue to receive late wage payments.

For the first time since making the move to the blue side of the Steel City in 2015, the 35-year-old could be forced into finding a new club, if the situation going on behind the scenes at the Yorkshire club doesn't get resolved.

It was revealed by Joe Crann of The Star on Thursday that the Owls' Championship rivals Millwall and Middlesbrough were both keen to take advantage of Bannan's contract situation and make a move for him, but the player would rather remain at Hillsborough.

However, if a new deal is unable to be agreed on between the two parties, Bannan will be left with little choice other than to find a new club if he wants to continue his playing career into next season.

Lee Hendrie - Barry Bannan would be a "super" signing for Millwall

Following the reports that both the Lions and Boro were interested in signing the Sheffield Wednesday club captain, Football League World spoke exclusively to Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie, asking him if this would be a smart move for Alex Neil's side.

Hendrie responded: "I think Millwall have shown signs of what they can achieve.

"Last season, they surprised a lot of people and I think bringing a few key additions in, like the likes of Bannan. I think it would be a super move for Millwall.

"I think just because at times we see Millwall being that sort of direct side, and they are very good off set-pieces, corners, et cetera.

"Bannan delivers good deliveries from all those kinds of areas and can control the midfield.

"So yeah, I think this would be a massive signing for both Boro and Millwall if it is to happen. I just think if Baz has got the opportunity, I'd be so surprised if he didn't go for the Boro one, if that's definitely on the cards," the former Aston Villa star concluded.

Whilst a move for the veteran midfielder would likely be a huge coup for Millwall, there is one key factor that could make a deal difficult for the London-based club to complete.

Firstly, with the Lions being located in England's capital, it would mean a late-career relocation for Bannan and his family, who've already been settled in Sheffield for a decade.

If the 35-year-old must depart Hillsborough, it's likely he would want to remain within a short travelling distance of his current home, which also doesn't bode well for Middlesbrough either, with that being just under 100 miles away from Sheffield.

All in all, it seems like a deal to bring Bannan to Millwall this late in his career seems highly unlikely. Logistical troubles are the most probable cause for the 35-year-old's willingness to stay at the club he's called home for the last decade, despite the ongoing turmoil.