Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly optimistic that they will sign Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham before the January transfer window slams shut on Friday evening. 

With just three days left of Garry Monk's first transfer window since taking charge of the Owls, the Yorkshire club have made just one signing, 20-year-old winger Manuel Hidalgo.

They have been in dreadful form in recent weeks, losing five of their last six Championship games and have now slipped five points from the top six.

The Owls have been linked with a number of forwards this month and landed Dutch forward Alessio Da Cruz on loan today but reputable journalist Alan Nixon has now claimed that they're optimistic they can sign Wickham before the end of the window.

Roy Hodgson has refused to rule out letting the 26-year-old leave the Premier League club this season.

It appears Wednesday may face some competition, however, as Cardiff City are also reportedly keen on Wickham and have submitted a better offer than the Owls.

It is understood that the player will have the final say on where he goes.

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The Verdict

Wednesday still need some more forward reinforcements before the end of the transfer window, so securing a deal for Wickham would be huge for them.

Their promotion chances are slipping away at the moment and with Fletcher out, and their new arrival relatively untested, they need some reinforcements.

Wickham would provide just that and has scored goals in the Championship in the past–with 22 goals and eight assists to his name in the English second flight.

He has had success at Wednesday in the past, scoring eight goals in 11 appearances while on loan at the Yorkshire club in the 2013/14 season, and the Owls will no doubt be hoping that helps to sway his decision.