Sheffield Wednesday close to sealing deal for ex-Sheffield United and Blackpool centre-half

Sheffield Wednesday look set to strengthen their defensive options this week. Yorkshire Live understands the Owls are close to finalising a deal for free agent Ben Heneghan.

Personal terms are thought to have been agreed for the 28-year-old ahead of his prospective move to Hillsborough. Heneghan will officially be able to join Wednesday on July 1 as soon as his AFC Wimbledon deal comes to an end.

The experienced centre-back featured prominently for the Dons last season, racking up 47 starts across all competitions. Manchester-born Heneghan only missed five league matches as the Dons finished second-from-bottom and suffered relegation from the third tier of English football.

Heneghan, who began his career in Everton's academy before moving to Stoke City, boasts a wealth of experience, having clocked up over 300 club appearances in his eight-year pro career. His previous teams include Chester, Motherwell, Blackpool and Sheffield United.

Barring there are no late issues, Heneghan could become the Owls' first summer signing. Manager Darren Moore and the club's recruitment team are working hard behind the scenes to bring in a number of reinforcements before the players report back in for pre-season training a week today.

Heneghan's impending arrival will bolster their resources in central defence. Moore is short on cover at the back after their vast loan cohort returned to their parent clubs following the conclusion of the 2021/22 season. He lost Harlee Dean, Jordan Storey and Lewis Gibson and opted to release Sam Hutchinson and Chey Dunkley as part of and end-of-season shake-up.

Sources say Moore plans to persevere with a 3-5-2 formation when the new season begins at the end of July but, as things stand, Dominic Iorfa