Ex-Leeds striker in PFA free agent group with former Massimo Cellino target | OneFootball

Former Leeds United loanee Connor Wickham, now 33, is part of the PFA’s free agent pre-season as he looks for a new club, with former target Fernando Forestieri also involved.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, week three of the programme began on Monday, featuring 45 unattached players and friendlies arranged to showcase them to scouts.

Wickham joined Leeds on a six-month loan from Sunderland in February 2014, then a 20-year-old seeking regular minutes under Brian McDermott. He had moved to Sunderland for £8m three years earlier and aimed to represent England.

Given the No 9 shirt at Elland Road, he made only five Championship appearances without scoring and was recalled by Sunderland after four weeks. He later joined Crystal Palace for £7m in 2015, spending six years there, including a loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

Further spells followed at Preston North End, Cardiff City and Charlton Athletic, with his most recent football at Dubai City last season.

Forestieri, long linked with Leeds during Massimo Cellino’s tenure, saw a 2015 move collapse despite a fee being agreed. Cellino said the forward lacked the mentality required and Forestieri instead joined Wednesday.

He excelled that season, taking man of the match when Wednesday beat Leeds in January 2016, then posted a cheeky message on social media about the team having the right mentality to secure the points.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk