Michael Smith transfer latest: Derby County interest, player stance, Sheffield Wednesday demands | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday are aiming to avoid relegation from the Championship this season.

The Owls earned promotion through a dramatic play-off campaign in League One last year, but struggled to make the transition to the second tier under Xisco Munoz.

Danny Rohl has since arrived as manager, and the German has earned some positive results to boost their survival hopes.

The January transfer window provides the Yorkshire outfit with the chance to make some improvements to Rohl’s squad, with Munoz having already brought numerous players to the team in the summer.

However, Michael Smith is one player who has been linked with a departure from Hillsborough.

Derby County negotiations

Derby County have been heavily linked with a move for Smith this month, with manager Paul Warne keen to work with the striker again.

The pair were both at Rotherham United when the Millers gained promotion to the second tier in 2022.

According to The Star, the two clubs are locked in negotiations over a deal to bring Smith to Pride Park this January.

It is understood that Sheffield Wednesday would prefer a permanent deal, rather than a loan move, but that they are open to all possibilities.

Smith’s contract expires in the summer of 2025, but is not a major part of Rohl’s plans for the first team squad.

The 32-year-old has made 14 league appearances for the Owls this season, contributing three goals from seven starts.

Smith’s stance

According to Darren Witcoop, Smith is keen to work with Warne again and would be open to a move back to League One.

The forward has excelled in his previous two campaigns in the third division, scoring an impressive 36 goals from 84 appearances.

He was a key figure in Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday’s promotions to the Championship, with Derby now also fighting to do the same.

The journalist is confident that a deal will be completed before the 1 February deadline, but no agreement has yet been reached between the two clubs.

Obstacle to deal revealed

The biggest hurdle to finding a deal between the two sides is proving to be the size of Smith’s wage demands.

It was reported that Derby placed an offer for the striker which was rejected by the Owls due to failing to meet their demands.

The Rams are open to making a significant contribution to Smith’s wages, but Wednesday are also demanding a loan fee on top of that.

According to Alan Nixon, a good bit of work is still needed before the two clubs find a deal they can both agree on.

Time is running out on a potential agreement, with just over a week left in the transfer window.

It was reported earlier in the winter market that several League One clubs had made an enquiry over a potential deal to sign Smith.

However, Derby are currently the front-runners and look best placed to complete the move despite a current difference in valuation of the player.