Sheffield Wednesday have made the offer of a contract to free-agent Adrian Mariappa as they aim to bolster their defensive options, according to Yorkshire Live.

Mariappa has been a free-agent since he left Bristol City at the end of his contract with the Robins during the summer, with Nigel Pearson deciding against offering him fresh terms after he made 25 Championship appearances last season.

Darren Moore’s side have been enduring a terrible period over the last few weeks in terms of injury issues to their defenders. That has seen them be limited in their options at the heart of their defence, allowing Ciaran Brennan to get the chance to come into the side and show what he can bring to the table for the Owls.

Following Sheffield Wednesday’s 3-2 win at Accrington Stanley on Saturday, Moore revealed to the media that the Owls were aiming to wrap up the addition of an unnamed defender. He was hopeful that player would decide to make the move to Hillsborough and would be given until 5pm on Monday to make his decision.

According to the latest report from Yorkshire Live, Mariappa is believed to be the player that has been offered the contract by Sheffield Wednesday as they aim to solve their current issues at the back. However, it is believed that the Owls are facing competition from two other clubs for the defender’s services.

The Verdict

This would be an excellent addition for the Owls to make because Mariappa is a player that would bring a wealth of experience to the table for Sheffield Wednesday. He is a reliable defensive option that is capable of playing as both a full-back and at centre-back and that means he will provide a lot of flexibility for Moore as he aims to resolve a major issue.

Sheffield Wednesday could not afford to stand by and wait until January to solve their current defensive injury crisis. Therefore, they have been wise to make a move for a player of Mariappa’s quality. You could see this being a very wise signing if the defender decides to put pen to paper on the deal that has been offered to him by the Owls.

It would be interesting to know what other two clubs are in for the defender as well because that could make all the difference as to whether he chooses to sign for Moore’s side. Sheffield Wednesday should be seen as an attractive proposition for him though after so long as a free-agent.