Sunderland 'looking at' Leeds forward with Sheffield Wednesday interested in free transfer deal

Sunderland are reportedly one of several clubs interested in Leeds forward Ian Poveda.

The 24-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer, when his contract at Leeds expires, after making 10 Championship appearances on loan at Sheffield Wednesday during the second half of this season.

Wednesday are keen to re-sign the Colombia international on a permanent deal, with other Championship clubs said to be interested. According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Luton and Burnley could make a move for Poveda this summer if they are relegated from the Premier League, while Sunderland have been looking at the player.

Still, Wednesday appear to be in a strong position after trying to sign Poveda permanently in January, before a loan deal was agreed. The forward did miss the Owls’ final five games of the season due to a hamstring injury but had returned to training ahead of their match against Sunderland on the final day of the campaign.

When asked if he expects Wednesday to make an attempt to sign Poveda or fellow loanee Ike Ugbo permanently, Owls boss Danny Rohl replied: “We know these players and that they gave us quality in the second leg (half of the season). We know Ian when he played, he has a good impact, Ike Ugbo has scored for us.”