Owls close to making Windass switch permanent

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY are closing in on a deal to keep Josh Windass at Hillsborough, but they appear to have little chance of retaining another loanee from last season, Jacob Murphy.

Long before the overdue end of the 2019- 20 season, Windass and the Owls were keen to continue working together beyond the attacking player’s half- season loan from Wigan Athletic.

The Latics have since suffered administration and relegation.

Wigan’s administrators have therefore been clearing the decks, selling the likes of Kieffer Moore, Antonee Robinson, Joe Geldhart ( to Leeds United) and Jamal Lowe. Centre- back Chey Dunkley has also left on a free transfer, joining the Owls.

The administrators have a responsibility to clear footballing debts, so with £ 500,000 owed to Rangers for Windass’s £ 2.5m move in 2018, it would make no sense to sell the 26- year- old for less, but the Owls are optimistic of completing a deal in time for the son of Hull City legend Dean to face Walsall in Saturday’s League Cup first- round tie.

Wednesday would also have liked to have kept Murphy, but the 25- year- old has impressed at parent club Newcastle United in pre- season, and is eager to take his chance there.

Former Owls manager Steve Bruce signed off Murphy’s loan shortly after taking charge at St James’s Park, but is now keen to work with the winger.

“He has genuine pace,” said Newcastle’s assistant manager Steve Agnew, also Bruce’s No 2 at Hillsborough.

“Confidence is the key word. He also added goals to his game in the Championship and finished with nine in a successful loan period.

“He’s certainly taken the manager’s eye in this short pre- season. I’m sure he will be around it this season.”

The former Barnsley and York City player’s words will be music to the ears of Murphy, who wants to use his time with the Owls as a springboard to finally make an impact on the Premier League.

“I want to show everybody what I’m about,” he said. “Last season was an amazing season for me. I really got into my rhythm and gained confidence.”

Fisayo Dele- Bashiru and Izzy Brown have joined Dunkley in signing for Wednesday this summer, and Barry Bannan has been made captain, replacing Tom Lees, who is still at the club.

“I spoke with him ( Bannan) and Tom and I just feel with Baz that he needs that challenge,” explained manager Garry Monk.