Sheffield Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher has urged the club to sign defender Michael Hector on a permanent deal in the summer, reports the Sheffield Star.

The 26-year-old has greatly impressed for Wednesday since his season-long loan switch from Chelsea at the start of the season, and has since gone on to become a regular for both Jos Luhukay and current boss Steve Bruce.

The Jamaican international has made 29 appearances for the Owls in all competitons this term, and has forged a good understanding and partnership with Tom Lees at the back.

And speaking after Hector's man-of-the-match performance in Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Sheffield United on Monday night, Fletcher has urged the club to secure the defender's services on a permanent basis.

He said: "He has been brilliant - he has fitted in fantastic on and off the pitch. He is a great lad off the pitch. He gets involved with the banter which is always good."

"On the pitch, he has been fantastic for us so hopefully we can keep him."

Hector currently has one year left on his deal at Stamford Bridge, but having failed to make a single senior appearance for the Blues despite signing for the club almost four years ago, Wednesday have surely got to fancy their chances of signing him on a permanent deal.

Steve Bruce's men currently sit 13th in the Sky Bet Championship table, six points off the play-off spots.

The Verdict

I would be also urging Wednesday to sign Hector permanently if I were a Wednesday fan - he has been terrific for the Owls this season and was particularly impressive against United on Monday.

He's still relatively young and has plenty of years ahead of him, and the Owls must surely be in the driving seat to sign him in the summer.

He is hardly going to feature in Chelsea's plans, so Bruce will surely be licking his lips about signing him permanently.