Lincoln City plotting Sheffield Wednesday transfer raid | OneFootball

Lincoln City are preparing for life in the Championship next season after clinching the League One title

Lincoln City are preparing for life in the Championship after clinching the League One title under Michael Skubala.

The Imps enjoyed a strong season, and their reward is a first campaign back in the second division since 1961.

The club comfortably sealed promotion, finishing the term with an impressive haul of 103 points, 26 clear of third place Stockport County.

They also earned the third division title by 12 points over second place Cardiff City, giving them a strong platform going into the summer.

Lincoln will now be planning for potential areas to improve the first team squad, with their sights set on surviving in the second tier beyond one year.

It could prove to be a busy transfer window for Skubala, with plenty of incomings potentially coming through the door.

Lincoln City eyeing Sheffield Wednesday youngster

It has been reported by Football Insider that Sheffield Wednesday youngster Joe Emery is attracting interest from Lincoln ahead of the summer window opening.

The 19-year-old’s future is currently up in the air with his contract set to expire next month, leading to interest from the newly-promoted side.

The Owls have suffered relegation in the opposite direction after a troubling campaign both on and off the pitch.

However, the Yorkshire outfit are now under new ownership, so it remains to be seen whether the centre-back will commit his future to the club, or look to move on.

Lincoln are ready to offer the teenager a move back to the second tier this summer following their promotion success.

It’s understood that Sheffield Wednesday are keen to tie the defender down to a new deal, but no decision has yet been made on his future.

Emery made his senior debut in Henrik Pedersen’s side this season, starting in an EFL Cup clash against Bolton Wanderers in August.

He featured in their second and third round clashes too, as well as in their FA Cup third round loss to Brentford.

Emery had to wait until January for his first of three league appearances, coming off the bench in the closing stages of a 2-0 defeat to Bristol City.

The 19-year-old played a total of 60 minutes in the Championship, but he is very highly rated as someone with a lot of potential.

However, it is unclear whether his preference will be to compete in League One next season with Sheffield Wednesday, or potentially move on to a club like Lincoln.

Sheffield Wednesday's Joe Emery will have to weigh up the best pathway to game time

Staying at Sheffield Wednesday is perhaps the safest option available to Emery as he knows the club, and they will know what he’s capable of better than any club.

The Owls are also more likely to be able to offer him plenty of game time next season in League One, even with a rebuild of the squad likely.

The jump back up to the Championship will be tempting, and Lincoln are on the rise, it’s definitely an appealing option.

But if he cannot get any guarantees about game time, then sticking with Sheffield Wednesday with a new contract might be the best step for his career for now.