Sheffield Wednesday transfers aided by Lee Gregory decision amid Middlesbrough interest

Sheffield Wednesday striker Lee Gregory has been the subject of growing interest at both Championship and League One level, with several clubs including Middlesbrough, Wigan Athletic and Derby County all eyeing a move.

The 33-year-old scored 17 goals in his debut season at Hillsborough as his side fell just short of promotion to the Championship, losing to eventual play-off winners Sunderland in the semi-final. And now clubs are circling the wounded Owls on the lookout for their key man.

But Gregory has settled in exceptionally well at his hometown club and has shown no intention of pushing for a move, and with another year on his contract there is growing confidence around the club that he will honour his current deal.

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Reported interest from the three above clubs remains only that, but should they or any other Championship / League One club make an official move, those inside Hillsborough are confident that Gregory will remain in South Yorkshire in the hope that he can help his hometown club reach the Championship at the next attempt.

Wednesday manager Darren Moore utilised the former Millwall and Stoke City man brilliantly and sees him as a key component to next season’s success. He and the Owls hierarchy are likely to shut down any approaches while their man remains happy at the club.

Keeping their top-scorer would also box off a major transfer issue as the summer window opens, with a relatively major overhaul needed in order to refresh and improve the squad.

Negotiating an appropriate fee for Gregory, and then having to scout and entice a centre-forward of similar or better quality would cost time and money. And with