Derby County's Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly open to allowing defender Michael Ihiekwe leave the club this month amid claims he wants a fresh challenge.

The centre-back has struggled to secure a first-team place under boss Danny Rohl and is reportedly keen on a departure from Hillsborough due to a lack of game time.

Ihiekwe was a firm favourite of Derby County head coach Paul Warne during his time in charge of Rotherham and was a key figure at the Millers as they went on to win promotion.

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The 32-year-old has reportedly received enquiries from teams at the bottom end of the Championship and at the top of League One as he plots his next destination.

He has made just six appearances for the Owls this season, four of which have come in the league and he hasn't played in the Championship since September.

The centre-back initially joined the Owls on a free transfer in 2022 along with ex-Millers team-mate Michael Smith. The pair helped Wednesday win promotion to the Championship as they beat Barnsley in the play-off final in the 2022/23 season.

But while Smith has been a key figure for Wednesday this season, Ihiekwe has not been able to force his way into Wednesday's plans.

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