Owls dealt Mallik Wilks transfer setback

Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Hull City forward Mallik Wilks after being warned that they will need to increase their bid if they want a chance at signing him.

The Lowdown: Wilks keen on Owls move

The 23-year-old still has 12 months remaining on his current contract at the MKM Stadium, but has reportedly been told that he is free to leave the club this window.

A move to League One is very much a possibility after it was reported last week that the Tigers had agreed an initial deal with the Owls, with the winger believed to be keen on making the switch to Hillsborough.

Following a fresh update though, it now looks like Darren Moore’s side will need to improve their offer in further negotiations if they want to get a deal done.

The Latest: Kesler’s warning

Speaking to BBC Humberside (as quoted by The Star), Hull’s vice-chairman Tan Kesler provided an update on Wilks’ transfer situation, revealing ‘negotiations’ need to continue as there is no agreement yet.

“They have a genuine interest.

“Mallik has had good days with us, he is out there training properly and is competing and always has a jersey here.

“But with all respect to Sheffield Wednesday, the offer is not enough. The offer for Mallik needs to be higher. If they are seeing him at that sort of price level, I think he better stay here.

“The negotiations are open. You cannot close the door to any player. You need to understand where the players stand in the market anyway, even if you don’t do the deals or conclude the deals.

“That’s the only way you can get the real value of your players.

“So as not to confuse anyone, with Mallik, the offer is not enough. If the offer is improved, we will consider for any of our players.”

The Verdict: A fantastic addition

Ever since Shota Arveladze was appointed manager of Hull in January, Wilks has majorly fallen out of favour, only playing six minutes in just one appearance since the start of the New Year, but he still has bags of potential to give.

Throughout the 2020/21 campaign, the attacker netted an outstanding 19 goals and provided eight assists in 44 third-tier appearances(Transfermarkt), highlighting his prowess in the final third.

If the Leeds-born talent were to reach an agreement with Wednesday, he would become Darren Moore’s sixth signing of the summer in what is expected to be a very busy few weeks ahead before the start of the new season.