Connor Wickham in PFA free agent pre-season group with former Massimo Cellino target | OneFootball

Former Leeds United loanee Connor Wickham is taking part in the PFA’s free agent pre-season as he looks for a new club.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, week three began on Monday with 45 unattached players involved, and Wickham is joined by former Elland Road target Fernando Forestieri.

Now 33, Wickham joined Leeds on a six-month loan from Sunderland in February 2014, seeking regular football under Brian McDermott. He had moved to Wearside for £8m three years earlier and harboured England ambitions.

McDermott felt he had everything ahead of him, yet after being handed the No.9 shirt his impact was minimal. He made five Championship appearances without scoring and was recalled by Sunderland after four weeks.

Wickham later joined Crystal Palace in a £7m deal in 2015 and spent six years at Selhurst Park, including a loan at Sheffield Wednesday. His other clubs include Preston North End, Cardiff City and Charlton Athletic, and last season he was at Dubai City.

Forestieri was a high-profile near miss in the Cellino years, with Leeds agreeing a fee with Watford in 2015 before a late U-turn. Massimo Cellino said the forward lacked the mentality required for the club and he instead joined Sheffield Wednesday.

Forestieri excelled for Wednesday that season, earning man of the match when the Owls beat Leeds in January 2016. After the win he posted a playful message on social media about the team having the right mentality to claim the three points and thanked supporters.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk