Sheffield Wednesday in formal discussions with free agent but face French battle

Interest from the Owls in Poveda has been known for some weeks, with The Star reporting early last month that he had been identified as a key target heading into the summer. Now it seems that interest has been formalised and that outline contract talks have been had with the attacker with regard to the possibility of signing him on a permanent basis after an eye-catching loan stint last time out.

The Colombia international saw his time at Leeds United come to an end earlier this month when his release was confirmed by the West Yorkshire club. It means the 24-year-old will become a free agent when his Elland Road deal expires at the end of June - his age and profile makes him one of the hottest properties on the free agent market this summer, with a host of clubs said to be interested in taking him on. Poveda’s January move to S6 was initially outlined as a permanent deal before a late change made it a loan move.

Alongside previously reported interest from a host of Championship clubs including Cardiff City, West Brom and Luton Town, The Star is now told an unnamed Ligue 1 club are also suitors of Poveda. Wednesday hope Poveda’s progress at S6 in the second half of last season make them the most attractive proposition, with a positive working relationship with manager Danny Röhl said to be a big tick in the Owls’ box when it comes to a decision - as is his fan favourite status in the Owls fanbase.

Wednesday have been active in the transfer market so far. Experienced goalkeeper Ben Hamer has signed and will become an Owl once his Watford contract is up, as will left-sided defender Max Lowe who will leave city rivals Sheffield United for S6. The transfer of Yan Valery from French club Angers is agreed and the right-back - who worked with Röhl previously at Southampton - is expected to complete a move this week.

A move for Poveda would act as a welcome addition to Wednesday’s forward line. Discussions over a new deal for Josh Windass have stalled after an agreement was believed to have been close, while attempts to bring Ike Ugbo back after a similarly successful loan stint last season won’t be completed cheaply.