Owls ready for fourth signing

The versatile West Brom defender-cum-midfielder impressed while at Hillsborough last season and was recalled by The Baggies because of Wednesday's late push for the play-offs.

The former Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton man made 11 appearances for Wednesday last season filling in at midfield and defence - becoming a popular player during his Hillsborough spell.

He does not fit in Tony Mowbery's plans for next season and it is believed that Wednesday are negotiating a deal to free him from his current Hawthorns contract.

Brian Laws unveiled Rob Burch, Lee Grant and Richard Hinds yesterday although he has made no secret in the fact that he also wants to sign a striker to replace Cardiff-bound Steve MacLean.

In other news, the Hillsborough pitch will be completely re-turfed following the Sheffield floods which hit the stadium hard last week.

The old pitch was hit hard by contaminated waters but it has to be re-laid for it to stand any chance of being ready for the start of the season.