Sheffield Wednesday open talks with 23-year-old after Everton exit | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday have opened talks with free agent Tyler Onyango

Sheffield Wednesday have opened talks with utility player Tyler Onyango over a potential move to Hillsborough, following his release from Everton.

The busiest side in the transfer market in the EFL this summer is far from done with their business. With speculation that 20 new signings may be made by the time the window closes on September 1, there's still room for potentially eight more recruits.

Mason Burstow's arrival at Hillsborough last week marked the 12th man through the door for Henrik Pedersen's side.

While the starting eleven looks relatively strong heading into their League One return, strong depth options are still needed, and anyone who could push those currently in Pedersen's starting squad would be especially welcome.

Sheffield Wednesday open talks with free agent Tyler Onyango

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Midfield cover is definitely nearer the top of the priority list at Sheffield Wednesday currently. With Barry Bannan, Billy Mitchell and Callum Slattery behind the striker, there's plenty of quality from the off, but only Jarvis Thornton is in reserve for one of those pivot roles.

According to Wednesday journalist Joe Crann, the Owls have opened talks with Tyler Onyango, who became a free agent following the expiry of his Everton contract this summer.

The 23-year-old has been on trial with Wednesday this past week, coming on at half-time to replace Mitchell in the 4-0 loss to Oldham Athletic in their final pre-season outing on Saturday before their campaign kicks off in the EFL Cup this weekend.

Onyango came through the Toffees' academy as a midfielder, but can also play at centre-back in a back three or off the right, so provides plenty of versatility, which is key in a long 46-game campaign.

The midfielder is well-known across the decision-makers when it comes to transfers at Hillsborough, too. New sporting director Simon Wilson has signed him on loan from Everton in each of the last two summer windows while he was at Stockport County.

Unfortunately, he only managed 23 appearances across both seasons, as hamstring injuries curtailed both campaigns at Edgeley Park.

How Sheffield Wednesday fans have reacted to Tyler Onyango update

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There was hope on Tuesday that Sheffield Wednesday could be securing Wrexham midfielder George Dobson to help add to their midfield core this summer.

Unfortunately, that was swiftly debunked by Joe Crann, with it expected that he wouldn't drop to League One if he were to leave the Stok Cae Ras this summer. Following that news up with the report about Onyango mere minutes afterwards hasn't exactly excited Owls fans.

"Going from thinking we are signing Dobson to signing him is shocking," one fan complained following the reports.

"Just been looking at his record. The amount of time he has missed when being on loan at clubs with injuries is a massive worry. Really doesn’t sound good," another said.

"Whilst I don’t expect every signing to be eye catching this feels a bit disappointing given the lack of minutes he’s managed at his age," a third fan stated.

Some just see Onyango as a low-risk signing, though. On a free transfer, they wouldn't mind the 23-year-old just filling a squad position behind the more established first-teamers at Hillsborough next season.

"Nothing to lose, a cheap squad player," was among the replies, as was "Cheap squad player may not work out but low risk."

A fit Tyler Onyango could be an astute free transfer for Sheffield Wednesday

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While Onyango's injury record looms over any potential signing he'll make this summer, there's no doubt that, when fit, he can be a top player at League One level.

He may have only made 10 league appearances last season for Stockport due to his hamstring issues, but he started all 10, picking up a couple of assists too. The Hatters weren't exactly a bad team with Onyango in it, either.

The 23-year-old appeared in matchday squads in the Premier League for Everton last August before the loan move was made, too. Ultimately, if it wasn't for his injury problems out on loan, the utility man could have been making strides into David Moyes' side by now.

So, on a free transfer, Onyango could be worth that risk at Sheffield Wednesday this summer. If he remains fit, he could be a surprising unsung hero at Hillsborough as Henrik Pedersen's Owls strive to make their League One stay last just the one season.