Sheffield Wednesday set to challenge Portsmouth in race for Swansea City's Scotland under-21 forward

Sheffield Wednesday are prepared to challenge Portsmouth in the race to sign Swansea City forward Kyle Joseph. The Owls suffered a major setback in their quest to sign Hull City’s Mallik Wilks when the Tigers refused to consider their initial bid of around £200,000.

But reports in South Wales claim that Darren Moore also has his eyes set on bringing Scotland under-21 international Joseph to Hillsborough. Joseph spent the first half of last season on-loan at fellow League One side Cheltenham Town. He scored on his debut against MK Dons but struggled to maintain a consistent run of form at Whaddon Road.

Swansea paid his first club Wigan Athletic, who he scored five goals in 18 games for, a compensation fee of around £500,000 last summer but are attempting to clear space in their squad. Joseph was recalled from his loan spell with the Robins in January after registering four goals in 19 league matches and featured 10 times for the Swans last term.

The South Wales side are open to either a permanent or loan switch, although a loan deal appears to be the most sensible option for the Owls, especially considering how much Swansea paid for him last summer.

Wednesday have already added five players to their squad, including forward Michael Smith from local rivals Rotherham United. Smith is likely to partner Lee Gregory in the wake of Saido Berahino’s exit but Joseph could provide strong cover in attack. He’s a determined striker with a frightening turn of pace, who would complement Smith or Gregory very well if either of them are out of the side.