SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY are telling their fed-up stars that a takeover is close — to try and halt a walkout.
Several squad members remain unhappy and have the option of ripping up their deals, with some speaking to other clubs.
Yet senior Owls staff, including new boss Henrik Pedersen, have advised players a new owner will be in soon — and offering new contracts.
American John Textor’s name is being mentioned behind the scenes, yet his interest is in the early stages.
The optimistic story is being fed to skipper Barry Bannan and Co as the crisis-hit club kick off their Championship season with a trip to Leicester today.
Yet insiders say owner Dejphon Chansiri has still to find any agreement, despite talking with a couple of interested parties.
And EFL chiefs WILL dock the Owls points for failing to pay their players on time.
The fact this has happened four times means they risk a potentially significant rap.
A disciplinary panel is looking into the case and penalties will soon be announced.
Yet it is significant that the decision has not been made or revealed before their first game — which is televised on Sunday afternoon.
It would have been a bad look for the EFL if Wednesday kicked off on a large minus points total against the Foxes, who are also facing their own punishment.
Elsewhere, young keeper Pierce Charles is for sale at Sheffield Wednesday — but the asking price is about £8million.
The Northern Ireland stopper, 20, is fancied by many clubs including Rangers, Leicester and Southampton.
But despite the Championship Owls’ financial problems — and the EFL hinting at the need for player sales — the valuation is still sky high.
Read the full article here