Sheffield Wednesday have been one of the teams that have been interested in signing Rotherham United defender Michael Ihiekwe.
The Millers' central defender, who sees his contract expire at the New York Stadium next week, has a rather uncertain immediate future it would seem.
Despite Wednesday's interest, Paul Warne has stated that he is confident that either Ihiekwe, other Owls target Michael Smith, or both will remain at Rotherham beyond this summer.
Here, we take a look at three Ihiekwe alternatives Sheffield Wednesday should consider as their chances seemingly recede in their pursuit of the experienced defender...
Harlee Dean
Believed to be on a list of targets that Sheffield Wednesday are currently mulling over ahead of the new campaign, Harlee Dean could return to Hillsborough after a strong enough loan spell last time out.
The 30-year-old would provide the Owls defence with leadership and experience, whilst he has consistently been a defender who wins the majority of his defensive duels.
His future does appear to be away from Birmingham City, however, it remains to be seen if other targets are ahead of Dean.
Zeno Ibsen Rossi
A highly-rated central defender at Bournemouth, 21-year-old Zeno Ibsen Rossi could be a consideration this summer at Hillsborough.
Playing three of the first four matches for the Cherries during their promotion-winning 2021/22 campaign, the centre-back spent the second half of the campaign at Dundee FC.
A loan move for Ibsen Rossi could be majorly beneficial for the Owls, as he is a ball-playing, progressive defender who can also win his fair share of duels.
Mattie Pollock
Enjoying a productive loan spell with Cheltenham Town last season, Watford defender Mattie Pollock could embark on a top-end League One move to bridge the gap to first-team football with the Hertfordshire club.
A tough, intelligent centre-back, who is also composed when in possession, the 20-year-old could be an excellent fit as Darren Moore looks to assemble a team capable of winning promotion.
It will be interesting to see if Rob Edwards looks at Pollock during this pre-season as a potential first-teamer or whether he is set that another temporary move is the way forward.