Sheffield Wednesday dealt transfer blow in race for 17-goal striker | OneFootball

The Owls are interested in bringing the 17-goal man to Hillsborough.

Sheffield Wednesday are busy working behind the scenes as they prepare for a substantial summer of change at Hillsborough.

New owner David Storch has a hefty in-tray at the South Yorkshire club, but perhaps his biggest job is recruitment, given the Owls' current squad is incredibly thin.

Wednesday have been linked with all kinds of moves, including for former players like Jamie Vardy, Barry Bannan and Callum Patterson, but they are also looking further afield for the right players.

While Sheffield Wednesday have been linked with bringing a League Two talent to the club, they have been dealt a blow in the form of their owner.

York City's owner Matt Uggla responds to Sheffield Wednesday's Josh Stones offer

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Wednesday supporters will be wanting their club to sign quality players this summer as they target promotion, and players like Vardy, Bannan and Patterson would certainly provide that.

However, the reality is that the Owls will have to bulk out their squad, meaning they may have to dip into League Two to find suitable players.

Transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke has reported that Sheffield Wednesday have made a significant offer for York City striker Josh Stones, but there was a surprising reply in the comments section.

The Minstermen's co-owner, Matt Uggla, replied to O'Rourke's social media post by saying, "Not enough money in the world to buy our mythical creature."

York were involved in one of the greatest title races in history as they salvaged a 1-1 draw against rivals Rochdale in the dying embers of stoppage time to clinch the title and promotion on the final day as Stones found the back of the net at the Crown Oil Arena.

While Uggla will be wanting to keep hold of his best players for next season's League Two campaign, it seems he may face a losing battle to retain Stones and co.

Who is York striker Josh Stones?

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When Stones signed for York from Wigan Athletic for an estimated £300,000, he became the most expensive player in National League history as the Minstermen strived to return to the fourth tier.

While the forward was unable to guide the club to promotion at the end of the 2024/25 season, he played a significant part in last term's title triumph.

Stones bagged 18 goals and seven assists in the National League last campaign, playing as a centre-forward as part of the division's deadliest attack.

The 22-year-old does have League One pedigree, having made nine appearances for Wigan, but at the time he was considered a prospect, hence why he made little impact.

He is a tireless, physical forward and is a genuine poacher, while his link-up play with his fellow attackers has allowed York's front three to thrive.

Considering that the forward was playing National League football last year, it is unsurprising that several Owls supporters are uninspired by the transfer link.

However, one supporter was much more optimistic about his club being able to sign players again this summer.