Owls Deny Trundle Move

But on each occasion the rumours have been summarily dismissed by all and sundry.

This time it seems to be different with strong suggestions over the weekend that Trunds is on his way to Sheffield Wednesday for a fee believed to be in the region of £750k. For some reason this particular rumour seems different to all the others and is being taking seriously in certain quarters.

However, at this moment in time the Owls are denying any interest in the player. Asked about the rumours, official spokesman Steve Chu said: "I haven't heard that one at all, though officially it is our policy not to comment on transfers until they have been completed."

Of course, it could well be a different story behind the scenes as not every club decides to conduct its transfer negotiations in public a la Huw Jenkins, but for the time being Wednesday have distanced themselves from our talented frontman.

I can see why this particular rumour has more credence than most of the others that have cropped up over the last couple of years; Sheffield Wednesday are a big club with a bit of cash to spend, they are now back in the Championship, they are looking for a new striker and they represent an appealing option for Trundle should he wish to pursue his career at a higher level.

However, I can't see it coming off for a number of reasons. First of all, £750k is an awful lot of money to spend on someone virtually unproven at League 1 level - never mind in the Championship - and that sort of cash outlay would be a huge gamble for a club riddled with financial problems.

Secondly, I honestly don't believe that Trundle is up to Championship standard at this moment in time. As skilled as he is he still lacks the necessary fitness levels and yard of pace to make an impact in the second tier of English football, and he also needs to become far more clinical in front of goal. Another massive drawback is his total reliance on his left foot, a factor that will make it easier for the better quality defenders to handle him.

Now before people start climbing out of their prams, I firmly believe that he can become a Championship player - his fitness levels are improving all the time under Jackett and facing better opposition this year will help him to sharpen his game. He does need to spend some time in training shooting with his right peg though - it would add so much more to his game.

As I say, at this stage of the proceedings it would be a massive gamble for any Championship club to splash out on someone untested at the higher levels, a solid bid is more likely to come during the January transfer window providing Trunds fulfils his potential and scores a hatful of goals for us.

One thing is for sure though; if Trundle IS sold then the Board and Jackett MUST spend a sizeable chunk of the fee and bring in some quality to replace him. Sadly, Trundles goals can be replaced but his marketing and public relations value will be almost impossible to replicate…unless we sign David Beckham or Ronaldinho ;-)

Grant Holt, anyone??

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