The former Sheffield Wednesday target has now been released by the relegated club

The Owls finished the season as the second lowest scorers in the division, although the loan arrival of Ike Ugbo ended up being enough to help them avoid relegation.

Danny Rohl’s side were heavily linked with Duncan McGuire towards the end of the window and were initially expected to return for him this summer, but there was little mention of the Yorkshire club’s interest.

Another striker they were briefly linked with in January was Scott Hogan, who has struggled for game time with Birmingham City this term.

The 32-year-old ‘Gliant’ scored 34 goals in his first four seasons at St Andrews but managed just one goal and eleven starts this time around.

Scott Hogan is now available for free

Despite his declining form, Wednesday was rumored to target Hogan, although a move never materialized.

The Owls have now been handed a boost if they are still interested in the striker, with Birmingham confirming he will leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

Hogan is likely to be in high demand in the EFL, although his £11,500-a-week wages could make his search for a new club a little difficult.

Wednesday will certainly be on the lookout for a new No.9, especially if they can’t lure Ugbo back to Hillsborough.

The 32-year-old is not fit for a new era at Hillsborough

It would be very surprising if they were willing to meet his salary demands, especially considering he recently turned 32.

He’s also not the goalscorer they need and the club could keep the likes of Lee Gregory and Michael Smith if they were to sign Hogan.

Wednesday must start looking at younger players to build their squad, with loan arrivals Ugbo, James Beadle and Ian Poveda making a big impact in the second half of the season.

Rohl’s presence seems to have lifted Wednesday from their horrendous transfer dealings now, and if they can replicate their January success then fans could be left full of confidence on deadline day.