Sheffield Wednesday takeover: If David Storch deal collapses 2 names may step in | OneFootball

Football League World takes a look at two parties who may buy Sheffield Wednesday if David Storch's deal collapses

Sheffield Wednesday preferred bidder David Storch is making positive steps towards completing his takeover of the Hillsborough club.

However, there is still no guarantee that the American's Arise consortium will be the party to guide Wednesday on their new chapter, away from administration.

The Owls have endured an incredibly tough campaign, which has already seen them relegated to League One via a defeat to cross-city rivals Sheffield United, amid points deductions.

Meanwhile, former preferred bidder James Bord's Wednesday takeover deal fell through, which has left the South Yorkshire outfit in administration for even longer.

Current prospective owner, Storch, is undergoing the EFL's Owners' and Directors' Test, and will be subject to the Independent Football Regulator's (IFR) assessments if he doesn't complete his transaction by May.

The American has already made a positive impression on Owls boss Henrik Pedersen and engaged with influential supporters at Hillsborough.

Storch attended Wednesday's recent 1-1 draw with Watford in the Championship alongside consortium partner, Tom Costin, which added to the momentum surrounding his potential takeover.

However, football ownership matters are never straightforward, and the Owls may require backup options if Storch's deal ultimately falls through.

With that in mind, Football League World takes a look at two other parties who could still buy the Steel City side:

Mike Ashley among two suitors who could rescue Sheffield Wednesday in event of David Storch takeover collapse

The Daily Mail's Mike Keegan has revealed on X that the Storch group had a meeting with the EFL and IFR, and no issues with the consortium were flagged.

However, that is far from confirmation that his takeover will be completed, and Wednesday supporters will be eager to hear who the alternative bidders could be.

Sheffield Star columnist and talkSPORT reporter Alan Biggs took to X on 19 March to share that former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has always been seen as a 'backstop option' by the Owls' administrators, and his potential takeover is still a possibility that can't be ruled out.

The 61-year-old had been in the Wednesday takeover picture before Storch was named as the preferred bidder, but his offer fell short of that of the American.

Meanwhile, the Sheffield Star revealed in February that Ashley is willing to splash £100million on Wednesday if he completes a deal for the South Yorkshire club.

The Owls are crying out for investment in several areas, thanks to former chairman Dejphon Chansiri's neglectful ownership, and the next owner will have to put money into their Middlewood training ground and Hillsborough Stadium.

Away from Ashley's interest, former Sunderland co-owner Charlie Methven, who was more recently Charlton Athletic's CEO, could also step in if Storch's transaction cannot be completed.

The 49-year-old resigned from his Addicks role last May, having served on the South London club's board throughout last term's League One promotion-winning campaign.

Meanwhile, the Sheffield Star reported earlier this month that Methven had lodged an interest in buying Wednesday.

Sheffield Wednesday would be best served if David Storch completes his takeover

Whether Storch, Ashley, or Methven would be the best Wednesday owner is up for debate, but one thing is for certain: time is not on the Owls' side.

The Hillsborough club have endured a gruelling campaign, initially under damaging ex-owner Chansiri and then in administration.

Therefore, the Owls' next owner will need as much time as possible to try to build a positive future ahead of next season, although that won't come easily.

Wednesday are set to be deducted 15 points next season, while EFL restrictions mean that their weekly wage bill is going to be capped at £7k per player.

The quickest way for the Owls' takeover process to be completed is by selling the South Yorkshire club to their current preferred bidder, Storch, who could have some time to prepare for summer transfer activity.