What is Josh Windass’ Sheffield United connection as shock Owls transfer claim emerges | OneFootball

Josh Windass saw his Dad Dean play for Sheffield United, as it was revealed the ex-Sheffield Wednesday man could've gone to Bramall Lane this summer.

Sheffield Wednesday’s off-field issues meant a host of players left Hillsborough last summer, with Josh Windass among those to move on.

The forward was a firm favourite with the Owls fan base, as he had been through a lot of highs and lows during his five years at the club, which included scoring a play-off final winner against Barnsley.

But, Wednesday’s position saw Windass move on in the summer, and whilst it was disappointing for the club to lose their key man, he left with many well-wishes as he signed for Wrexham.

Sheffield United were approached over a potential deal for Josh Windass

However, his reputation at Wednesday could’ve been very different if Windass had joined their bitter rivals Sheffield United.

It has been claimed that representatives of the player held talks with the Blades over the possibility of making the switch to Bramall Lane.

Obviously, that didn’t materialise, and Windass will surely be pleased with that decision, as Wrexham are currently firmly in the hunt to reach the play-offs, whilst Sheffield United look destined for a mid-table finish and another year in the Championship.

Windass has been an important player for Phil Parkinson’s side this season, and he will hope to play a big role over the coming months as they seek a fourth promotion on the bounce.

Josh Windass watched Dad Dean play for Sheffield United

Whilst the prospect of Windass pulling on the red-and-white shirt might have disgusted Wednesday fans, it may not have been such a big deal for the player himself.

That’s because Windass’ father, Dean, is one of few who played for both Sheffield clubs in his career, although his time with the Owls was restricted to just two appearances.

The 56-year-old’s spell with the Blades was also relatively brief, as he featured just 20 times in the 2002/03 campaign.

However, that’s a time when Josh would’ve been watching his Dad play, and he would have seen the attacker during his time with Sheffield United, where he scored six times before joining Bradford City.

At that stage, Josh was an eight-year-old, and he would’ve no doubt loved watching him play for the Yorkshire club as they pushed for promotion, but they ultimately lost the play-off final to Wolves in Cardiff.

Therefore, Windass has a connection with the Blades, and even though it wouldn’t have tempered his feelings towards the Owls, the prospect of following in his Dad’s footsteps by representing both sides of the Steel City may have appealed.

Realistically, the chance for Windass to join Sheffield United may have now passed, as he signed a three-year contract with the Red Dragons, so he will still have two years to run from this summer.

Given his contribution this season, Wrexham are unlikely to sanction a sale, although that stance could change if they did win promotion.

But, you can’t rule anything out in football, and Chris Wilder did reveal that he would’ve been open to adding Windass to his squad if he had the chance, as Ruben Selles was in charge of Sheffield United when the initial approach was made.