Sheffield Wednesday closer than ever to agreeing new deal for key man despite Birmingham City effort

By Alex Miller
Published 6th Jun 2024, 11:56 BST
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Sheffield Wednesday are nearing an agreement that would see key man Josh Windass sign a new deal with the club, The Star understands.

The 30-year-old attacker, who is one of five soon to be out of contract players yet to formally agree fresh terms with the Owls, is believed to have had positive discussions with the club this week and as things stand is expected to finalise talks - though some details are yet to be agreed upon.

Windass played a vital role in the climax of Wednesday’s remarkable survival effort last season, scoring three times in their last three matches to take his direct goal involvement tally for the club to 57 - via 40 goals and 17 assists - in his 135 appearances. The former Rangers man is understood to be a key figure in the future plans of newly-contracted Owls boss Danny Röhl.

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The progression of talks comes amid heavy interest from clubs elsewhere. The Star reported as far back as January that Windass was of interest to clubs in the MLS and with his contract dwindling, several Championship clubs are understood to have registered their interest. The Star can reveal that recently relegated Birmingham City launched an ambitious effort to take Windass in the last weeks as they go about piecing together a plan to achieve promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt.

Completion of a new deal would see the Owls’ Wembley hero take his Wednesday career into a sixth season having arrived from Wigan Athletic, initially on loan, in the winter transfer window of 2020. The Owls are pressing on with their summer activity having already secured the future of important modern day icons Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer.

The other remaining players yet to agree terms are Di’Shon Bernard - also believed to be seen as a key figure in Röhl’s plans - as well as Dominic Iorfa, Cameron Dawson and reigning player of the year Will Vaulks. The Star reported earlier this week that the Owls were some way off an agreement with Vaulks, while Dawson is expected to leave the club at the end of his deal despite being offered fresh terms. The Owls are understood to be lining-up experienced stopper Ben Hamer and are eyeing a return for loanee James Beadle.