Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Julian Borner has been linked with a return to Germany this summer.

The Lowdown: Good servant for Sheff Wed

The German has made 70 appearances for Wednesday overall, scoring four times and proving to be a solid member of the defence.

Borner was unable to prevent Darren Moore's side from suffering relegation to League One, however, and the manager is now planning for life in English football's third tier.

His central defender may not be part of those plans, though, following the emergence of a fresh report.

The Latest: Borner linked with Owls exit

According to Bild [via YorkshireLive], Borner could join Bundesliga 2 side Hannover 96 this summer, returning to his homeland and back to second-tier football.

He has reportedly "received an offer" from the German side, as they look to bolster their current defensive options.

The Verdict: Time to move on

In truth, this might be the right time for Borner to move on, allowing Moore to build his own team and bringing in younger alternatives.

At 30, the defender doesn't represent the long-term future at Hillsborough and it is important that the club now plan well into the future, rather than looking at quick fixes.

Borner should be remembered as someone who gave his all for the Owls, but ultimately, his performances weren't always convincing and a move away makes perfect sense given his age and the club's current situation.

In other news, one Sheff Wed player has been linked with a summer move to a Championship club. Find out who it is here.