Danny Rohl's Rangers backed to sign 'top player' from Sheffield Wednesday | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday could be facing intense interest in key players this summer following their relegation to League One

Sheffield Wednesday have endured a disastrous campaign due to off-field issues involving the ownership.

Dejphon Chansiri’s time in charge at Hillsborough came to an end in October when the club went into administration.

A new owner has yet to be officially installed, but it is hoped that the group led by David Storch can complete their takeover before the final game of the Championship campaign.

It has been a tumultuous period for the Owls, with Henrik Pedersen’s side winning just one of their 43 games so far this term.

Relegation to League One was confirmed as early as February with a 2-1 loss to bitter rivals Sheffield United.

The Yorkshire outfit will be hoping for a better future under Arise Capital, with work now set to begin on preparing for life in League One.

Gareth McAuley urges Rangers to sign Sheffield Wednesday star

Gareth McAuley has urged Rangers to pursue a deal to sign Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles this summer, praising his impact on the team from between the sticks.

The former Northern Ireland international has tipped the shot-stopper to reach the highest level of the game, provided he stays fit, and believes he will be a highly valued asset at Ibrox.

“I had Pierce with the Northern Ireland Under-19’s,” said McAuley, via the Daily Record.

"He gives the game a completely different dimension.

“People have said to me he’s too small.

“But I say he’s not because he’s so agile.

“He’s got such quick feet that he gets around the goal. And his distribution is just on a different level.

“He’s a really top player and if Rangers could get him they’d have a massive sellable asset on their hands.

“He’d play more games, get exposure in Europe, so a move there would be great for both parties.

“To me, Rangers is the top club in the world. But if Pierce stays injury-free, I can see this kid, with his temperament, becoming a goalkeeper worth a hell of a lot of money who plays in some of the world's biggest games.

“He’s that good. I don’t like putting pressure on young players but he’s such a level-headed boy, it won’t faze him.

“He’s now in our full national side and he’s a hell of a player.”

Charles has come through the ranks of the Sheffield Wednesday academy system to become an important part of their first team squad.

While injuries have hampered his availability this season, he’s still managed 17 appearances in the Championship, keeping two clean sheets.

The 20-year-old’s future has become the subject of intense speculation as a result of the financial issues at Hillsborough, with the likes of Coventry City and Manchester City linked with his signature.

Rangers were also reportedly interested in a deal to sign the youngster last summer, although a move failed to materialise.

Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday will now be planning for life in League One under new ownership, with ratification still needed from the EFL to confirm Storch’s takeover.

The American is confident that the deal can be completed by 1 May, although the club are at risk of receiving a 15 point deduction penalty for next season as a result of the move.

It remains to be seen whether Charles will be a part of the first team squad next season, with interest in his services expected in the summer window.

The goalkeeper has a contract with the Owls until June 2027, meaning he is now set to enter the final 12 months of his current deal.

Pierce Charles will be in-demand this summer

It will be difficult for Sheffield Wednesday to hold onto Charles this summer, as he has performed quite well in the Championship at the age of only 20.

While stronger financial footing under new ownership may help, the reality is still that he’s entering the last year of his contract, and the Owls will want to avoid losing him for next to nothing in 2027.

Rangers should be doing what they can to get to the front of the queue for Charles given his potential to become a top goalkeeper.

The 20-year-old will want to play regularly next season, and a move to Ibrox might be his best avenue to staying a first-choice goalkeeper away from Hillsborough.