Sheffield Wednesday have agreed a deal to sign one Luton Town star, with the Owls now also scheduling a medical for him.
Wednesday’s torturous campaign has been defined by financial catastrophe.
They entered administration in late October, triggering an immediate 12-point deduction that plunged them into Championship oblivion.
A subsequent six-point penalty for unpaid obligations followed in December, leaving Henrik Pedersen’s squad drowning on minus-seven points at the foot of the table.
Mathematical reality renders survival impossible, and Wednesday currently sit miles adrift of safety with fixtures dwindling rapidly.
The club’s January transfer window has been severely compromised by ongoing financial restrictions, but they have managed loan deals and free transfers, with Murphy Cooper and Jaden Heskey joining this month after Nathan Redmond in November, Liam Cooper in November and Joe Lumley in October.
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Club legend Barry Bannan completed his emotional departure to Millwall this week after a tearful farewell, ending over ten years of service with 477 appearances to his name.
The 36-year-old former captain received standing ovations from both sets of supporters during his final outing at Bristol City, signing an 18-month contract with the promotion-chasing Lions for an undisclosed fee.
Midfielder Svante Ingelsson faces mounting rumoured interest from Portsmouth after the south coast club’s initial approach was rebuffed, alongside other EFL sides.
Striker Ike Ugbo, who hasn’t registered a single league goal since his £2.5 million arrival from Troyes, is also attracting tentative enquiries from MLS franchises and Belgium.
Young defender Yan Valery reportedly has Rangers exploring potential options for the Frenchman, while rising star left-back Yisa Alao completed a move to Chelsea recently.
That being said, while outgoings have mostly dominated the headlines, Wednesday are now believed to be closing in on a deal for Luton striker Jerry Yates.
Jerry Yates heading for Sheffield Wednesday medical with deal agreed
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke on social media, Yates is heading to Hillsborough for a medical after Wednesday agreed a season-long loan for the forward.
The 28-year-old Doncaster native arrives seeking regular football after struggling for consistency at Kenilworth Road.
Yates has managed just two league goals from 20 appearances for the Hatters this term, despite Jack Wilshere’s public backing regarding his work ethic and attacking instincts.
The striker contributed 10 Championship goals during last season’s loan spell with Derby County, demonstrating his second-tier pedigree. He also received major praise from then-manager John Eustace.
“I’m absolutely delighted for him,” Eustace told reporters last year.
“His work since I’ve been here has been sensational. He’s an outstanding professional, and he certainly deserved his goal tonight after all the effort he’s put in of late.”
Wednesday desperately need firepower to maintain morale throughout their relegation process.
Even with survival mathematically eliminated, professional pride demands respectable performances, particularly with passionate supporters continuing to pack Hillsborough despite the administration’s crushing blow.
Yates’ temporary deal represents experienced Championship quality without the major spending — precisely the profile administrators can sanction.
His physical presence and proven goal record at this level could provide Pedersen with a boost, while younger squad members continue developing in a very challenging environment.
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