Sheffield Wednesday closing in on signing of talented Blackburn Rovers midfielder after whirlwind u-turn

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: John Buckley of Blackburn Rovers gestures during the Sky Bet Championship match between Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers at St Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

The midfield man, who despite his tender age has over 100 Championship appearances on his CV, is understood to be on his way to Hillsborough for a medical and to finalise his switch to S6 after the Owls’ interest was formalised on Friday evening.

Buckley is understood to have been the subject of a big-money bid from Swansea City earlier today, leaving loan interest from a host of clubs seemingly dead.

But that deal collapsed, with the Rovers academy graduate making clear he would prefer a move to Hillsborough.

Should a deal be completed, Buckley will offer Wednesday plenty in midfield, an area the club desperately wanted to strengthen heading into the final day of the transfer window.

Newcastle United’s Jeff Hendrick remains a deal that the club hope to complete, it has been reported. The completion of both deals mean Wednesday will have fulfilled their mission of signing two midfield players.

Should the deal go through, Buckley will not be eligible for tomorrow’s Championship clash at Leeds United as his deal was not ratified before the midday deadline.