A Championship player linked to Derby County has been handed a new contract by his club.
Derby County is returning to the Championship after a two-year break. Paul Warne led the Rams to second place in the 2023/24 League One season.
The Championship may be more challenging than when the Rams were last in it, since Birmingham City were demoted despite achieving 50 points this season.
Warne will therefore need to add quality and depth to his squad this summer to ensure Derby County has the tools it needs to avoid relegation next season.
The Rams have been linked with several players, including custodian Viktor Johansson and loan player Ebou Adams.
Sheffield Wednesday striker Josh Windass is reportedly a target, as his contract expires this summer after four seasons with the club.
Sheffield Wednesday give Josh Windass a new deal.
Windass previously indicated that his agency was in talks with Sheffield Wednesday about his future, although he did not say if he would remain at Hillsborough.
The Owls released their retained list on Friday, announcing that Windass has been offered a new deal.
In 135 games for Wednesday, the former Wigan Athletic and Rangers player has scored 40 goals and assisted 17 times.
Windass scored the goal that sent Sheffield Wednesday into the Championship last year, and he scored in each of the Owls’ last three games as they avoided relegation.
The stance Derby County may now take on Josh Windass.
Derby County are not alone in their adoration for Windass ahead of the summer; Hull City, Stoke City and West Brom are all mentioned.
And expect each of the associated teams to have taken note of Wednesday’s contract offer, as well as to keep an eye on whether he extends his stay at the club.
He’s a Championship-experienced striker who finished the season in fantastic form, so he’d be a strong fit for many second-tier clubs, including Derby.
Dwight Gayle, Martyn Waghorn, and James Collins are all out of contract this summer, and Warne expects the Rams to disclose their retained list soon.
Derby will undoubtedly have a lengthy list of strikers they want to recruit, with Windass certainly one of them; expect the Rams to maintain their interest, and if Windass rejects his new Sheffield Wednesday contract offer, Warne’s side might move quickly.
Given the huge interest in him, it would have to happen quickly. But if Warne can complete this deal, he will have signed a tried and true Championship striker.
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