Sheffield Wednesday transfer stance on former Manchester United youngster Deji Sotona explained

Sheffield Wednesday are hard at work trying to increase their attacking firepower before the start of the 2022/23 League One season. The latest player to be linked with a move to Hillsborough is former Manchester United youngster Deji Sotona.

Reports on Monday evening suggested the Owls and their League One rivals Derby County are in the hunt to sign the Nice forward on loan. Sources have confirmed to Yorkshire Live that Sotona is a player on Wednesday's radar and the club are mulling over handing him a trial with the club's Under-23s.

Born-and-bred in the Republic of Ireland, Sotona moved to United at the age of 13. He progressed through the academy ranks at Old Trafford. He established himself as a regular for the Red Devils at various youth levels before leaving the club in 2020.

After reportedly turning down a three-year contract extension with United, Sotona ended up moving to France to work with former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira at Nice. He penned a three-year deal but has yet to make a senior appearance for the Ligue 1 side.

With first team opportunities in short supply at Nice following Vieira's departure, Sotona was loaned out to Brentford B in the last transfer window. His form for the Bees led to a call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-20s squad in March.

Sotona returned to his parent club following the climax of the 2021/22 campaign. However, it remains unclear whether he is part of Nice's first team plans.

Bolstering Wednesday's attacking options features high on Moore's list of priorities with just over a week to go until the big kick-off. Wednesday have not yet given up hope of luring Hull City attacker Mallik Wilks to S6.