Sheffield Wednesday warned that Celtic could beat them to free agent signing | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday and Celtic are both in the transfer race for Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken

Sheffield Wednesday will need to enjoy a major rebuild in the summer transfer window, following their miserable relegation to League One.

Thanks to points deductions, the Owls' relegation fate was sealed in February, when they were beaten 2-1 by Steel City rivals Sheffield United.

Wednesday are in administration, and their off-field future remains uncertain for now, but David Storch's Arise consortium are continuing their efforts to complete a takeover as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the South Yorkshire outfit have still managed just one victory in the Championship this term, but they have gone unbeaten in two of their last three home games, having drawn 1-1 with Leicester City on Easter Monday.

Dundee ace could be tempted by Celtic interest as Sheffield Wednesday plot move

Preferred bidder Storch is keen to oversee a strong summer transfer window, should he complete his Wednesday takeover.

Meanwhile, as revealed by Football Insider, Celtic have eyed a move for Wednesday transfer target Jon McCracken, whose contract with Dundee expires this summer.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper has maintained five clean sheets in 32 Scottish Premiership matches so far this term, and his side sit eighth in the table.

Football League World asked our Owls fan pundit, Patrick McKenna, if he thinks the lure of Celtic could prevent Henrik Pedersen's side signing McCracken.

McKenna told FLW: "In regards to Jon McCracken, I think it would be wise to possibly pursue signing him, if it is realistic. Obviously, if Celtic is a massive competitor in this race, they are one of the big clubs, and they can offer him the chance of trophies and European football as opposed to a stint in League One.

"I really couldn't see us beating Celtic to his signature. The only thing that could maybe sway (him) is the fact that we would be offering him more regular football.

"I would imagine Pierce Charles will be sold in the summer, and we're looking at someone like McCracken for a permanent signing. He is a good age, 25, that's almost young for a keeper.

"He's had a strong season in the Scottish top flight, so that could easily translate to a good season in League One. So, certainly, he seems the right calibre of player, and, of course, the fact that there's a free transfer as well is another bonus. But, as I said, the lure of Celtic is potentially huge for the guy, so I would be surprised if that is a deal we got over the line."

Jon McCracken may wait on Sheffield Wednesday and Celtic summer developments before deciding on future

McCracken will be pleased that there is high-profile transfer interest in his services from both Wednesday and Celtic, especially because his Dundee contract expires this summer.

Meanwhile, there are merits in joining either the South Yorkshire club or the Glaswegian outfit, as summarised by McKenna.

Wednesday, who will likely lose fellow goalkeeper Charles, would be able to guarantee McCracken a place in their starting lineup week in, week out.

On the other hand, Celtic may be able to hand the 25-year-old fewer minutes, but he could play a role in the Champions League and the Scottish Premiership title race.

Meanwhile, the Glasgow club's stance on signing McCracken could change when they find a permanent replacement for interim boss Martin O'Neill.

Furthermore, Wednesday will only become more active in the transfer market once Storch's takeover goes through, so the current Dundee man can bide his time for now.