Who is Michael Ihiekwe? Former Liverpool youngster linked with Sheffield Wednesday transfer

Sheffield Wednesday are contemplating a summer move for Michael Ihiekwe. The defender has yet to take up the offer of new and improved contract at Rotherham United.

As things stand, Ihiekwe is due to become a free agent on July 1. He was strongly linked with a move to Derby County earlier this month.

However, uncertainty over the Rams takeover as opened the door ajar for the Owls to challenge for Ihiekwe's signature. So who is Ihiekwe and what would he bring to Wednesday? Yorkshire Live has taken a closer look.

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The centre-back spent his formative years in Liverpool's academy before being released in 2011. He was snapped up by Wolverhampton Wanderers but he never played for the Premier League club.

Liverpool-born Ihiekwe made his pro debut while on loan at Cheltenham Town during the 2014/15 season. After his Wolves release, Ihiekwe headed to Tranmere Rovers. He established himself as a linch pin of their defence and played a big part in their run to the 2017 National League play-off final.

After that near miss, Ihiekwe moved to Rotherham. He has played 184 times for the South Yorkshire club during that period, scoring 14 goals and contributing 11 assists, whilst also having a loan spell with Accrington Stanley.

Ihiekwe has helped the Millers secure promotion to the Championship on three occasions. He made 52 appearances across all competitions last season, hitting five goals.

His stellar form in League One helped Paul Warne’s side clinch second spot and the second automatic promotion spot as well as the Papa John's Trophy. He was also include in the League One PFA team of the year.

Ihiekwe is a formidable presence at