Sheffield Wednesday in talks over Scottish ace

[Guest Sheff Owl]

SHEFFIELD Wednesday manager Alan Irvine has confirmed an inquiry for Motherwell defender Mark Reynolds.

It follows the signings of Reda Johnson and Michael Morrison and the revelation by Milan Mandaric that the Owls want to bring in at least six new players by the time the January window closes.

Sources in Scotland claim that Motherwell are set to reject a £75,000 bid by Wednesday for the 23-year-old who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Owls boss Alan Irvine would only say: "There has been some dialogue. That's as far as it's gone at the moment."

Reynolds is a centre-half or left-back.

Johnson is a left-footed centre-half, and Morrison, who was signed from Leicester yesterday, is a centre-back or right-back.

Reynolds, a former Scotland Under-21 international, attracted an unsuccessful six-figure bid from Swansea in August which was thought to be less than £500,000.

At that time Wigan were said to be lining up a £1 million offer which did not materialise.

Just over two years ago, Rangers had a £750,000 bid rejected.

Reynolds' price will have dropped as the end of his contract nears, and Motherwell know they could lose him for nothing if he sees out his agreement.

Morrison looks set to make his debut in the FA Cup tie at Bristol City today, at right-back, with the Owls once again without the injured Lewis Buxton and Jon Otsemobor.

Johnson is in contention for a centre-half spot after his arrival from Plymouth.

But Irvine insists that no player is ever guaranteed a starting role.

He said: "Nobody is going to come here with a guarantee to play. It will be players' performances that determine whether they are in the team. That also applies to the players who are already here."

Irvine, has described the Owls as underdogs for the cup clash as they bid to make it into tomorrow's fourth-round draw.

Owls youngster Cecil Nyoni has joined non-league Boston United on work experience.

I think this is very interesting - some of the decisions that he has made would make you think the opposite to that. It's ok saying it but he has to show it, we all can tell when a player is having a bad spell and he then needs to act.

Good luck to Nyoni.