KIRKLAND IS ‘KEEN TO STAY’

SHEFFIELD Wednesday boss Stuart Gray insists Chris Kirkland wants to stay at the club, despite his contract being up this summer.

The Owls have 13 players who could leave for free at the end of the season but Gray has been sounding out those he wants to stay – starting with 32-year-old keeper Kirkland, who joined the club two seasons ago from Wigan Athletic.

“I would imagine Chris will have several other options,” said Gray.

“It was just putting a marker down to see if he would be interested.

“He’s keen to stay, but that will be down to his contract, with his agent and the club agreeing.”