© Provided by Football League WorldJosh Windass
Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan has insisted that the Owls need to keep hold of players like Josh Windass if they are to be successful in the long-term.
Windass has been one of the Owls' better performers in a turbulent season that could well end with relegation to the third tier. The attacker has managed to register ten goals in all competitions this campaign, nine of which have come in the Championship and that has made him the club's top scorer this term. Without that contribution, things would be even worse for Darren Moore's side.
The attacker has already started to attract transfer interest ahead of the summer. According to the Sheffield Star, Fulham and West Brom are interested in making a move for him in the summer alongside QPR. While the report added the Owls might have to cash in on him given he is entering into the final year of his contract next term.
Speaking to Yorkshire Live, Bannan insisted that he hopes the Owls keep hold of Windass this summer and believes he will have to be kept if the club are to progress forwards. While he also stated he is not surprised to see him attracting transfer interest.
He said: "He has done really well.
"These are the type of players you need to keep hold of if you want to be successful.
"Hopefully it is just rumours and Josh is still here next season.
"But, with the season that he has had, teams are going to be interested because he has done really well. He has got 10 goals and he has not really been a striker. He has been wide and No 10.
"He has helped us a lot this season and is a top player so it would be good if the club can keep him."
The verdict
It is hard to disagree with Bannan's comments here and many Sheffield Wednesday fans will probably agree that ideally, the club have to keep hold of Windass. However, there will be some who also feel that perhaps it is best to sell him now for a profit, rather than risk losing another player on a free transfer in another year.
Windass would be a massively important player to have in the squad next term if the Owls are trying to bounce back to the Championship. Bannan will be aware of his qualities and what he could bring to the table in the third tier. He clearly feels they have a better chance next season with him in the side.
Bannan is trying to send a message to the hierarchy that they need to start doing more to retain key players and not allow themselves to be constantly allowing key performers to leave. However, keeping hold of Windass is going to be tough if they do go down you feel.
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