Sheffield Wednesday told to commit "low-risk" Derby County transfer swoop for 23-year-old | OneFootball

Liam Thompson is still a name on the list of Championship players out of contract in the summer

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Derby County confirmed in their retained list that Liam Thompson is one of two players out of contract and in discussion over their future - the other being Craig Forsyth - which strongly suggests both have already been offered new terms to remain with the Rams.

The 23-year-old started 18 times in the Championship this past season, appearing in 28 altogether - and was a favoured name on John Eustace's team sheets since his arrival in February.

But with no new contract agreed yet, Thompson is still a name on the list of Championship players out of contract - and one of a few on the right-side of thirty.

Liam Thompson should be a consideration for Sheffield Wednesday amid Derby County contract talks

And FLW's Sheffield Wednesday Fan Pundit, Patrick Mckenna, has identified the 23-year-old as his ideal free transfer target.

When asked which Championship player out of contract this summer Sheffield Wednesday should realistically pursue, McKenna mentioned Thompson as an attractive low-risk option - although the midfielder would require compensation if offered better terms at Derby due to the fact he's under the age of 24.

"One thing we do need in our transfer policy is youth, there’s a good few players on that list in different positions on the wrong side of 30, so that is an age range I'd likely want us to stay away from," McKenna told FLW.

"One player I suppose would be a consideration as a cheap low-risk signing would be Liam Thompson from Derby.

"Reasons for this are touching on what I said about the youth, 23 years old is a good age for a player, if they haven’t quite reached their potential and peak at that age they still can be coached and have quite a few years to show their improvements.

"As well, I suppose midfield is an area we do need numbers in and he also has a bit of versatility as well, he can play in different positions, and I think that will be crucial for us to have a player like that.

"I know we have Callum Paterson, a man for all positions, but Liam Thompson would be a consideration from the list. It’s really not a great list as it stands and I suppose it shows how tough recruitment can be during a transfer window."

Sheffield Wednesday need to undergo a potential midfield rebuild this summer

Barry Bannan's future is still undecided at Wednesday - although he has been offered new terms, along with Patterson - who McKenna mentioned earlier.

Their Player of the Year winner, Shea Charles, is going back to his parent club Southampton - and it's clear from the award mentioned that he's undoubtedly going to leave a huge gap in the Owls midfield.

The coming weeks seem to be more than pivotal in determining Thompson's future. With Derby eager to retain him, there could be other clubs monitoring the situation closely, and for Wednesday, the 23-year-old would provide an ideal mix of attributes that they need to rebuild their midfield.