Sheffield Wednesday step up search for new signings as Darren Moore chases transfer breakthrough

Sheffield Wednesday are hopeful of making a breakthrough in the transfer market later this week. The summer window officially opens on Friday and a number of players have already been linked with a move to Hillsborough.

The Owls will be in the market for plenty of new signings as they seek to build on a fourth-placed finish in League One. Manager Darren Moore released three players, including fans' favourite Sam Hutchinson, following the end of the 2021/22 season. Seven loan players also headed back to their parent clubs.

They are also awaiting answers from four further players who are in the final weeks of their contracts but have been offered fresh terms. Joe Wildsmith, Jack Hunt, Massimo Luongo and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing have yet to make decisions on their futures.

Although Wednesday are able to pay transfer fees for players again, most of their business is likely to come from the free agent and loan markets this summer. Yorkshire Live understands the Owls have made contact with a number of players. Talks are ongoing, with Moore keen to improve every department of the team following their promotion near-miss.

It is thought Moore would ideally like to add to his squad before the players are due to return for pre-season training on June 20. Defensive reinforcements are at the top of Moore's agenda, with less than two months to go until the big kick-off.

Speaking to the club's in-house media team last month, Moore said: "The talks have to go on and sometimes you feel like the talks are going nowhere but it is all part of the process.

"You have to have those conversations with the clubs, the players and their representatives. There are so many talks that you have to have. Even meeting individuals, if they are out of