Sheffield Wednesday eye Leeds United player in early transfer swoop | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday are keen to sign winger Ian Poveda permanently from Leeds United in the summer transfer window.

That's according to a report from The Sheffield Star, who say that the Owls could face some significant competition for the signing of the 24-year-old.

Poveda is, of course, no stranger to Sheffield Wednesday, having spent the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Hillsborough.

During that time, he made ten appearances for Danny Rohl's side. Although he was hampered by injury, his contributions still helped Wednesday to complete a remarkable great escape from relegation to League One.

Now it seems as though that has convinced Sheffield Wednesday to take a very clear stance over the future of Poveda, heading into the summer transfer window.

Sheffield Wednesday keen on permanent Poveda deal

As per this latest update, Wednesday are now keen to sign Poveda on a longer-term deal ahead of the start of next season.

It is thought that Owls manager Danny Rohl has identified the winger as a top target for the coming transfer window.

As things stand, Poveda's contract with Leeds is set to expire at the end of this season, meaning he would be available on a free transfer.

However, Sheffield Wednesday may not have it all their own way in their attempts to sign the 24-year-old.

It is suggested that other clubs in the Championship, as well as abroad, are also taking an interest in Poveda ahead of the summer.

Having joined Leeds from Manchester City back in the January 2020 transfer window, Poveda has since made 30 appearances in all competitions for the Elland Road club.

He has also previously had spells out on loan in the Championship with the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool.

While Sheffield Wednesday's season is now done with Championship survival secured, Leeds' third place finish in the second-tier means they are now preparing for the play-offs.

Their first game of that campaign sees them travel to Carrow Road to face manager Daniel Farke's former club Norwich City on Sunday afternoon.

Poveda a target that is worth pursuing for Sheffield Wednesday

It does seem as though a permanent move for Poveda would be one that is very much worth pursuing for the Owls.

Despite being blighted by injury, the winger was often a standout performer for Rohl's side when fit and available during the second half of the season.

That could make him a big asset at Hillsborough if they were able to keep him fit and available for the whole campaign.

It therefore makes sense for them to try and bring him back to the club, in a deal that would surely lift the mood among the Sheffield Wednesday fanbase even further, following the success of that remarkable run to safety under Rohl.

The fact Poveda could be available on a free transfer would also make this a sensible move, given the fact it would cost them nothing in terms of a fee, leaving funds available to invest in other signings as well.

Beyond that, that interest from elsewhere could also make this something of a coup for Sheffield Wednesday if they can pull it off.

With the winger having seemingly enjoyed and succeeded in his time at Hillsborough so far, a return to the club would surely appeal to him as well.

As a result, you can certainly understand why Rohl seemingly wants a reunion with Poveda to be top of the agenda for Sheffield Wednesday over the course of the summer.