Sheffield Wednesday have been handed a big transfer boost on the day that the transfer window officially opens, with one of their summer transfer targets set to officially become a free agent.
It was announced today that Cardiff City midfielder Will Vaulks will be released by the Bluebirds at the end of his current contract, due to expire at the end of this month.
Vaulks has been heavily linked with a move to Hillsborough this summer, with Darren Moore said to be keen on adding him to his side ahead of their League One campaign next season.
It was first reported by Andy Giddings of BBC Sheffield that Wednesday were holding talks with Vaulks' representatives over the move.
Then, following that, The Star reported that Vaulks would be open to dropping down from the Championship to League One, providing that the terms were right.
With his Cardiff exit now confirmed, it is possible that talks over his future could ramp up.
Vaulks has established himself at Championship level since winning promotion to the division with Rotherham United in 2017/18.
Since then, the 28-year-old has racked up 146 second-tier appearances, taking his total in the division to 186 when you combine the 40 matches he played for Rotherham in 2016/17.
The central midfielder made 36 of those league appearances for Cardiff City in the 2021/22 campaign.
The Verdict
Today's announcement from Cardiff City can only be seen as a boost for Sheffield Wednesday in their pursuit of Will Vaulks.
With his exit now confirmed, it is possible that talks over his next move could ramp up, with Wednesday having been reported as in talks with the player's representatives.
What a signing it would be for the Owls if they could pull it off.
Vaulks has established himself as a good Championship operator in the last few years, and being able to convince him to drop down a division would be a testament to the draw and pulling power of Sheffield Wednesday.
Alongside the likes of Barry Bannan and George Byers next campaign, Vaulks could help form a formidable midfield trio.