Glenn Loovens is expected to have a role to play at Sheffield Wednesday next season, despite Carlos Carvalhal looking to make defensive reinforcements this summer, reports the Sheffield Star.  

The 33-year old defender has played a major role since Carvalhal’s appointment in 2015, captaining the Owls to consecutive top-six finishes in the Sky Bet Championship.

Last season, Loovens made 34 league appearances for the Owls, with most of those coming alongside Tom Lees, as the duo formed an excellent partnership.

However, with Sam Hutchinson’s switch to midfield and the release of Vincent Sasso, the Owls are now short of cover in central defence and Carvalhal is targeting some high-profile names this summer, which could leave Loovens’ opportunities limited.

Lee Bullen, Carvalhal’s assistant, has now confirmed that Loovens will still have a big part to play at Hillsborough heading into the 2017/18 campaign, he said: “He is a natural leader.

“We are all getting older but the influence he has in the changing room is huge.

“He has fitted in like a glove. He gets things sorted out in the dressing room.”

Having missed out on promotion during his two seasons in South Yorkshire, Carvalhal is looking for quality not quantity in the transfer window, as he aims to secure a first top-flight return since 2000.

Carvalhal and Wednesday are targeting a move for an experienced central defender, and have been linked with Daniel Ayala and Grant Hanley, whilst other reports suggested that Cardiff City had rejected a bid from the Owls for Sean Morrison.

Wednesday fans… Do you believe Loovens will find first-team opportunities limited at Hillsborough next season? Let us know your thoughts!