Sheffield Wednesday poised to pounce with decision confirmed on livewire Leeds United target

Ahead of what is set to be a busy summer for the Owls, The Star reported last month that Leeds United trickster Ian Poveda had been identified as a key potential addition after making a strong impression in his 10 appearances for the club having joined on loan from the Whites in January.

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As expected, the Colombia international has now been officially released by Leeds, with their retained list having been confirmed on Thursday afternoon. The Star understands Wednesday have indicated their firm interest with the former Manchester City youngster over a potential switch. It’s understood Poveda is open to making the move to Wednesday - with the influence of newly-contracted Owls boss Danny Röhl said to be a driver in that stance - but that interest remains from elsewhere in the 24-year-old in the meantime.

Hamstring troubles cut into Poveda’s time at S6 - he missed the last five matches of the season - but having undertaken his rehabilitation in stages with both Wednesday and Leeds, he returned to Owls training ahead of the last match of the campaign.

In February Röhl suggested Wednesday would use the loan period to convince Hillsborough was the place for Poveda to get his career back on track having fallen down the pecking order at Leeds. The Star revealed at the time of his January deal that permanent transfer terms had initially been negotiated before it was changed to a loan late on.

Injury towards the end of the season ended Poveda’s hopes of making Colombia’s squad for this summer’s Copa America, with Di’Shon Bernard’s Jamaica and last season’s loanee Ike Ugbo the sole Wednesday-nosed participants.