Sheffield Wednesday should consider Michael Smith U-turn amid Wrexham transfer talks: View | OneFootball

The Red Dragons are reportedly interested in the striker, but he could still have a part to play at Hillsborough this season

League One new boys Wrexham have been monitoring Sheffield Wednesday’s Michael Smith this summer, but the Owls could be acting too hastily in letting the frontman leave the club.

Football Insider broke the news that the Welsh side are interested in the 32-year-old earlier this month, as they look to acclimatise to their new surroundings following back-to-back promotions from the National League.

Smith has been a prolific marksman when he has dropped down into the third tier in the past, but the veteran has already proven that he can still do a job at Championship level, albeit as a bit-part player.

With the trials and tribulations of a season in the second tier likely to bring plenty of scenarios where the Owls need a goal from anywhere, Smith should be kept as a key backup striker for the season ahead, even if that means missing out on a transfer fee.

Wrexham register interest in Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith

Football Insider claimed last weekend claimed that Smith and Wrexham had already opened talks about a move this summer, although speculation has since quietened down as the season got underway.

Having netted 17 and 19 times in his last two seasons at the level, Smith would undoubtedly add plenty of quality into Phil Parkinson’s side, which already boasts the likes of Jack Marriott, Ollie Palmer, Paul Mullin and Steven Fletcher.

Wednesday have also added to their attacking ranks in the past few months, with former Swansea City striker Jamal Lowe joining the club from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, while Ike Ugbo returns to the club on a permanent basis after a successful loan move from Troyes last season.

With that in mind, Wrexham were looking to pounce on Smith as he continues to fall down the pecking order at Hillsborough, but the opening two weeks of the season have already proved that the former Rotherham United man could have a bigger part to play than initially thought for the Yorkshire side.

Although the Red Dragons would be offering a transfer fee this summer before Smith's contract elapses in a year's time, the Championship side could be better off losing their frontman on a free next July, after another year playing his part at Hillsborough.

Michael Smith proves his Championship quality with Plymouth Argyle strike

He may have only been on the pitch for a handful of minutes in Wednesday’s opening weekend victory over Plymouth Argyle, but Smith proved he still has what it takes to capitalise on opportunities in the second tier, as he opened his account for the campaign almost immediately.

The frontman’s alertness in the penalty area saw him pounce for his first goal of the season, as Conor Hazard tried in vain to keep out his initial effort in the dying stages on opening weekend.

The joy that Smith visibly showed in finding the back of the net was further proof that he seems happy in his role with the Owls as it stands, having been able to make an impact from the bench when he was called upon.

At his age, Smith is rarely going to start matches in the second tier, but he still has the physicality and quality to make an impact in the latter stages against tiring defenders, just as he did last season when Rohl’s side were chasing games.

It spoke volumes that the boss turned to Smith ahead of Ugbo when his side went into the break three goals down against Sunderland on Sunday, and although not much could be done about the scoreline, the frontman continued to fight for the cause until the end at the Stadium of Light.

With that in mind, shipping the striker out to Wrexham this summer could be a mistake in the long run for Wednesday, with the wily campaigner still able to offer plenty going forward for the Owls, and offers another dimension when the game needs a shake up in the final third.