This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sheffield Wednesday forward, Lucas Joao is set to hand in an official transfer request as he looks to find a move away from Hillsborough according to Justin Allen from The Sun (16th July). 

It is claimed that the Owls have already rejected bids for the striker, as they are believed to value him in the region of £8m.

It remains to be seen as to whether any further bids will be made by the unknown clubs, but Joao's decision to hand in a transfer request will surely edge him closer to the exit door at Sheffield Wednesday.

He first signed for the Owls back in 2015, and has gone on to make 83 appearances for the club.

It's far from ideal preparation for the new season, and Sheffield Wednesday supporters won't be wanting to see a player that wants a move away from the club to be playing for them in the future.

But how big of a blow is this for the Owls ahead of next season?

We discuss...

Gary Hutchinson: 

"It's certainly a kick in the teeth but not a massive problem.

"Wednesday have been through the mill of late and I do feel a bit sorry for them because I actually liked what was getting built under Steve Bruce.

"The manager has left for Newcastle, though, and it appears now that Joao also wants to leave through the exit door.

"It's not ideal, of course, as it threatens stability but I would actually argue that losing him in isolation isn't a huge setback.

"Make no mistake, he's got great talent and has scored some lovely goals at Hillsborough but when it comes to consistency he is left wanting.

"If a good fee is offered I can't imagine the Owls are that bothered about losing him too much to be honest."

Kealan Hughes: 

"It is a bit of a setback for Sheffield Wednesday but losing Joao is something the team would be able to overcome fairly easily.

"After all, he only started 18 games last season and has rarely been the first name on the team sheet since joining the club in 2015, although he has proved useful as a substitute and has contributed goals every season.

"Wednesday have five other forwards at the club so it is not a position which lacks depth. However, players like Jordan Rhodes and Atdhe Nuhiu have been linked with moves away and if they leave then there could be cause for concern.

"Despite that, the Owls should have the resources to find an adequate replacement, and with a new manager coming in, it could present a chance for him to bring in his own strikers, and add a different dimension to what Joao provides in attack."

George Brooks: 

"Joao has been an important player for Sheffield Wednesday over the last few seasons and I'm sure fans will be disappointed to see him leave Hillsborough.

"The Portuguese striker scored ten Championship goals for Wednesday last season, his best return since joining the Owls in 2015.

"I'm sure he would of had another important role to play for the club next season, but it now seems as though he wants to leave Hillsborough to pursue a new challenge.

"It would make sense for Wednesday to move the striker on this summer, as there's little point in having him at the club if he doesn't want to be there.

"The Owls have got some good attacking players in Fernando Forestieri, Steven Fletcher and Jordan Rhodes - so I don't think losing Joao would be that much of a blow, as long as they're able to find a suitable replacement."