Connor Wickham in PFA free agent squad with former Massimo Cellino target Fernando Forestieri | OneFootball

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Connor Wickham is among the players in the PFA free agent pre-season group, alongside former Leeds target Fernando Forestieri, who previously clashed with Massimo Cellino. Week three began on Monday.

The PFA invites unattached footballers each summer to stay fit until they find new clubs, arranging friendlies for scouts to assess potential signings.

Wickham, now 33, joined Leeds on a six-month loan from Sunderland in February 2014. Then 20, he sought regular minutes under Brian McDermott. He had moved to Sunderland for £8m three years earlier and harboured England ambitions.

Handed the No 9 shirt, his impact was minimal. He played five Championship games without scoring and was recalled by Sunderland after four weeks.

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

Forestieri was a live Leeds target in 2015 and a fee was agreed before a late U-turn. Cellino said the forward lacked the mentality required to play for the club, and Forestieri instead signed for Wednesday.

He excelled there that season and took Man of the Match when the Owls beat Leeds in January 2016. Afterward he posted a cheeky message on social media, saying the team had the right mentality to claim three points.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk