Sheffield Wednesday chairman David Storch has said the club are attempting to sign Jamie Vardy, despite the striker previously indicating that a return to his boyhood club was unlikely. The admission makes public the Owls’ interest in a high-profile free agent and underlines their effort to strengthen the squad.

Vardy, 39, was released by Sheffield Wednesday as a teenager before building a major career with Leicester City, including winning the Premier League. He is available after Cremonese’s relegation from Serie A, but a move to Hillsborough would depend on both his willingness to return and the club’s financial terms.