Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Carlos Carvalhal has defended Sheffield Wednesday’s decision not to sign a new centre-back yet this summer.  

Following the departure of Vincent Sasso at the conclusion of the 2016/17 season, Wednesday are left with just Glenn Loovens and Tom Lees as senior central defensive options.

A host of names have been linked with a move to Hillsborough, with the Owls yet to make any significant progress in the transfer window.

Reports earlier this summer suggested that Wednesday were interested in signing Grant Hanley and Daniel Ayala from Newcastle United and Middlesbrough respectively, but those links have not come to anything so far.

It is well known that Wednesday also saw a £3m bid rejected by Cardiff City for Sean Morrison, who has since committed himself to the Welsh outfit, by signing a three-year contract.

Despite failing to recruit a central defender, Carvalhal is remaining positive ahead of the new season, insisting he is happy with his cover behind Loovens and Lees, he said: “We are not panicking as we have players who can cover the position.

“I understand it is not the same as having players in the position. But we saw Sam (Hutchinson) have very good games at centre-half and Daniel Pudil can play in the position.

“It is not a perfect condition, but there is no reason for us to panic. We had the third best defensive record in the competition last season and we achieved 16 clean sheets.”

So far this summer Wednesday have made just two signings, the first of which saw Jordan Rhodes complete a permanent move to Hillsborough after spending the second-half of last season on-loan.

George Boyd has also arrived in South Yorkshire, after his contract with Burnley expired.

Wednesday begin the 2017/18 campaign this weekend when they face Preston North End.

The Verdict

Carlos Carvalhal is taking his time in the transfer window, and the likelihood is that when he does find a central defender to sign, it will be an impressive arrival.

It is no surprise to see Carvalhal so calm heading into the new season, with Loovens and Lees more than capable of leading Wednesday through the first few weeks of the season.

However, should Carvalhal be sat in the same position in three weeks, we will see a lot more stress coming from the Wednesday boss.

Wednesday fans… Let us know your thoughts!