Milan Mandaric has confirmed that Wednesday have approached Southampton about their out-of-favour striker Billy Sharp.
After weeks of speculation surrounding a possible move for Sharp, Mandaric said: “We are interested in Billy and are in dialogue with Southampton.”
Sharp does not figure in the future plans of Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino and, while the ex-Sheff U man has vowed to fight for his place at Southampton, he looks likely to leave them before the upcoming transfer window – with a clutch of other clubs also reported to be interested in the 27-year-old.
Wednesday are believed to be keen to bring Sharp in on a six-month loan but Southampton would no doubt be looking for a permanent deal and another issue with any move would be trying to match Sharp’s Premier League wages.
At the same time, the acquisition of a proven Championship scorer like Sharp would bring a much-needed boost to Wednesday after a disappointing start to the season. With Gary Madine now ruled out for the duration of his upcoming court case and his longer term future at the club also uncertain, Dave Jones’ options up front are further restricted.
Chris Maguire looked sharp and lively when he came on as a second-half substitute on Saturday but the arrival of Sharp would provide much-needed competition for the striking places and he could form a ‘little and large’ partnership with new boy Atdhe Nuhiu.