Speaking to the Sheffield Star, Barry Bannan has urged Sheffield Wednesday to make some new signings between now and the end of the summer.  

After yet again failing to secure Premier League football via the play-offs last season, Carlos Carvalhal is preparing his squad for the 2017/18 campaign, which will be Wednesday’s 18th outside the top-flight.

Wednesday begin their league campaign this weekend, when they face Preston North End at Deepdale, but Carvalhal has made just two permanent signings so far this summer.

Jordan Rhodes’ loan move has been made permanent, whilst George Boyd has been signed following the expiration of his contract with Burnley.

Bannan, 27, has spoken out about the lack of transfer activity at Hillsborough, highlighting the need for reinforcements, he said: “A couple of new faces wouldn’t go amiss.

“When new players come in, it always gives everybody a lift at a football club.

“It would only help us if we brought in a few faces to challenge the boys who are starting at the moment.”

Wednesday’s squad is significantly lacking in the defensive department heading into the new season, with Tom Lees and Glenn Loovens the only senior options in central defence.

The Owls have failed in attempts to sign Sean Morrison and Charlie Mulgrew this summer, but have now turned their attention to Johan Djourou.

Earlier this summer, The Star linked the Owls to Daniel Ayala and Grant Hanley, but those reports have come to nothing, despite the latter currently able to leave Newcastle United.

The Verdict

Wednesday’s lack of transfer activity has come as a surprise, particularly after how busy Carvalhal usually is over the summer.

A brief scan over Wednesday’s squad and you struggle to find too many weak areas, although central defence is becoming a glaring problem.

The addition of a centre-back to compete with Lees and Loovens is a necessity, whilst Carvalhal may opt to strengthen his options at left-back, with Morgan Fox and Daniel Pudil struggling to find any consistency last season.

Sheffield Wednesday fans… Let us know your thoughts!