Who is Ben Heneghan? Ex-Everton youngster profiled amid Sheffield Wednesday transfer interest

Ben Heneghan has emerged as a transfer target for Sheffield Wednesday as manager Darren Moore seeks to bolster their defensive options ahead of the 2022/23 season. The centre-back is leaving AFC Wimbledon at the end of June when his contract expires.

Central defence is an area the Owls must quickly address as soon as the summer transfer window opens. They are thin on the ground in that department following the departures of Sam Hutchinson, Chey Dunkley, Harlee Dean, Jordan Storey and Lewis Gibson.

So who is Heneghan? Yorkshire Live has taken a close look at the player.

The Mancunian kicked off his career in Everton's academy before moving to Stoke City. He failed to make a senior appearance for the Potters and was released in 2014.

After trials at Oldham Athletic and Accrington Stanley, Heneghan headed to Chester. The 6ft 4in defender scored seven goals in 92 appearances across all competitions for the non league club before being snapped up by Motherwell in 2016.

Heneghan quickly established himself as a first-team regular at the Scottish Premiership side. He was a standout performer for the Steelmen and his impressive performances north of the border did not go unnoticed. Rangers reportedly eyed up a move for Heneghan while Blackburn Rovers also had a £250,000 bid turned down for the player.

After making 41 Motherwell appearances, Heneghan left the club on deadline-day in August 2017, penning a three-year deal with Sheffield United. Reports in Scotland suggest the Blades shelled out around £400,000 for his services.

But Heneghan struggled to force his way into Chris Wilder's plans at Bramall Lane. His solitary United appearance came in an FA Cup tie at Preston North End. He was among seven players placed on the