Sheffield Wednesday in hot pursuit of deal to sign Doncaster Rovers star Owen Bailey
Sheffield Wednesday are eyeing a move to sign Doncaster Rovers captain Owen Bailey this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
However, the Owls will face competition from Oxford United, Stockport County, Bradford City and MK Dons, all of whom have joined the race for the 27-year-old.
Bailey has established himself as one of the best players in League One and was named in the Team of the Season thanks to his impressive performances.
As a result, he has attracted interest from a number of the division's leading clubs who feel he could bolster their promotion chances.
Doncaster will be extremely reluctant to lose their capatin this summer given the vital role he has played, but after a 14th-place finish, they may struggle to deter interest.
Bailey has just one year remaining on his contract at the Eco-Power Stadium and they could be tempted to sell, although his club retain the option for a further year.
Could Sheffield Wednesday beat rivals to sign Owen Bailey?
Wednesday will be well-placed in their pursuit of Bailey despite suffering relegation last time out, as they put plans in place for an ambitious summer transfer window.
Under the guidance of new ownership, the Hillsbrough club are aiming to bolster their squad, and a move for the midfielder would be seen as a major coup.
Bailey scored 16 goals and provided seven assists from midfield in 55 appearances last season for Doncaster, sparking interest from clubs looking to lure him away.
He is also capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, with his versatility also placing him firmly on the radar of League One's leading clubs.
However, it will not be an easy task for any club to lure him in, with Oxford United, Stockport, Bradford and MK Dons all preparing to make compelling offers for him.
What are Sheffield Wednesday's transfer plans?
Despite suffering relegation from the Championship last time out, Sheffield Wednesday are looking to bounce straight back up, with ambitions plans being put in place.
Those plans include the adition of a number of key players who could make their squad more competitive, with Bailey not the only midfielder on their radar.
Football Insider shared claims last month that Barry Bannan could make a sensational return to Hillsbrough just months after leaving for promotion-hunting Millwall.
Bannan has struggled to make his way into the Lions' starting XI, and social media controversy involving his wife has led to suggestions he could already be moved on.
Wednesday have been tipped to bring him back to Hillsbrough, and while the suggestions of a move have not been confirmed, it would play into their ambitious plans.