Championship side West Bromwich Albion, several other second tier sides and relegated League One side Birmingham City are reportedly expected to compete for the signing of Sheffield Wednesday attacking midfielder Josh Windass on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old is set to depart the Owls after failing to agree on an extension to his expiring deal.
His current contract is set to expire at the end of June which has alerted the likes of West Brom, Birmingham City and ‘a whole host of Championship club’ to his availability.
Who are the interested parties?
Birmingham City are attempting to compete with their second-tier counterparts in an ambitious attempt to convince the talented player to drop down to League One.
According to The Star, the relegated side have held an interest for several weeks, but it is unknown at this time whether he would favour remaining in the Championship or would be willing to drop down to the third tier.
The Blues however, face competition from West Brom. According to Birmingham World , the Championship side have reportedly already made contact with the representatives of player and are keen to move quickly on a deal.
The Baggies have been searching for attack minded midfield recruits with Windass’s versatility and ability to also play on the left a key selling point to Carlos Corberan’s side.
According to the publication there are also a ‘whole host’ of unnamed Championship interest.
Where next for Windass?
Birmingham City are showing their ambition to get promotion straight away. If their reported £20 million budget is accurate they will be willing to spend, and spend big to bulldoze their way to the Championship.
However, money isn’t everything and being able to convince players who are already in the second tier to take a step down, even if for a year, could be difficult especially when there are other offers on the table from Championship clubs.
Birmingham may have to overpay or work extra hard to show that the League One club’s project is the best place for the 30-year-old to spend the next couple of seasons.
West Brom overachieved last season based on their difficulties off the pitch and now that coach Carlos Corberan’s future is seemingly secure, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them battling towards the top of the table once again.
Especially with the likes of Leicester City and Southampton out the league there will be a good chance to compete.