Sheffield Wednesday have set their sights on a 31-year-old international from their Championship rivals to replace injured Murphy Cooper ahead of the Steel City derby.
Murphy Cooper adds to Sheffield Wednesday’s injury troubles
No team in the EFL has endured as tough a season as Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls have known their fate in the Championship for some time and remain in control.
News that preferred bidder James Board is expected to be sued by a former business partner did little to lift the mood at Hillsborough this week, but a fresh injury blow has added to their misery.
According to The Star’s Alex Miller, the Owls could be without Murphy-Cooper for this weekend’s Steel City derby against Sheffield United, and potentially beyond, as they assess the extent of the injury news.
It comes at a time when Henrik Pedersen is already short on numbers after losing the likes of Yann Valery earlier this month. The manager is already in talks with clubs under his control, forcing him to enter the emergency loan market in search of a new shot-stopper.
That’s the last thing Sheffield Wednesday wants ahead of the Steel City derby, which could see Sheffield United end up losing their 11th straight competitive match.
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The owl is waiting for positive news.
With his back against the wall, Pedersen assured fans that his team would “do everything” to defy expectations this weekend, telling reporters: “I think we had some players today who were ready to give everything on the pitch.
“All I can say is that we will go there with everything we have and give everything again so we can please the fans after the game. We will give everything on the pitch, of course we will.”
Sheffield Wednesday considering emergency transfer for Dieng
The Owls are also focusing on finding a replacement for Cooper ahead of this weekend’s clash with Sheffield United. Sheffield Wednesday are currently considering signing Seny Dieng from Middlesbrough on an emergency loan deal, according to Joe Crann of The Star.
The Boro man becomes the seventh goalkeeper to feature for Sheffield Wednesday this season, summing up their fortunes in that area. Emergency loan transfers can only be carried out for seven days at a time, so if Cooper misses multiple games, the Owls could have to make multiple transfers.
In terms of what Dieng can offer, the goalkeeper is certainly experienced. The 31-year-old is a full-time international with seven caps for Senegal and has a wealth of experience to rely on in the Championship.
It will be his debut if he arrives against Sheffield United, ahead of his shocking debut clean sheet. From Boro’s reserves, he could be introduced into the top half of the Steel City derby as early as this weekend.
