Sheffield Wednesday plotting move for Ipswich Town player
Sheffield Wednesday are contemplating signing Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke.
According to a new report from the Sheffield Star, the full-back has surfaced as one of the club’s transfer targets as Danny Rohl attempts to strengthen the defence throughout the window.
The Steel City outfit is having a highly respectable first full season under the German’s management after avoiding relegation to League One on the final day of last season, with the Owls currently in 10th place, three points behind West Bromwich Albion, who occupy the final play-off spot.
However, Wednesday are one of two teams in the top half with a negative goal differential, and they have surrendered the same amount of goals (40) as Cardiff City, who are now in 23rd place.
As a result, it is unsurprising that Rohl has identified his backline as a priority area for development, and after losing out on possible target Ronnie Edwards to QPR, Clarke is the latest name to emerge on the Owls’ shortlist.
Harry Clarke has emerged as a possible target for Sheffield Wednesday
According to the Sheffield Star, Clarke is one of the players sought by Wednesday to strengthen their defense for the next 20 Championship games.
According to the article, the second tier market is at a ‘difficult stage’ due to Rohl’s previous admissions, including a breakdown in communication with owner Dejphon Chansiri over transfer activities before the window opened.
However, the magazine knows that recruitment planning in S6 is still on, and Clarke is one of the possibilities the Owls are exploring as they attempt to maintain their play-off drive.
Wednesday are not alone in their admiration for the 23-year-old defender, who returned to his hometown club two seasons ago. Other Championship teams are also keeping an eye on his present position at Portman Road.
Rohl has two injury concerns: Yan Valery and Dominic Iorfa were removed in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Millwall due to knee and hamstring injuries, respectively.
Harry Clarke would be an excellent addition to Danny Rohl.
Although the report does not specify whether a potential deal for the former Arsenal player would be permanent or temporary, Clarke would be a more than adequate short-term replacement for Iorfa and/or Valery, both of whom have performed well this season.
Clarke was a mainstay in the Town side that edged Wednesday out of the League One automatic promotion race two seasons ago, before he and many others under Kieran McKenna demonstrated their Championship ability last season with a slew of eye-catching performances and results that completed back-to-back promotions.
However, the right-back has been pushed out of the team with the summer arrival of Ben Johnson in Suffolk, with Clarke making just seven appearances and three starts in the Premier League thus far.
Furthermore, the versatile Axel Tuanzebe is approaching a return to health for the Blues, which may push Clarke lower down the pecking order.
In such event, several second-tier sides’ steps toward a transfer would simply exacerbate the situation, making it critical for the Owls to reach an agreement as quickly as possible if they feel the need to do so.
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