Sheffield Wednesday are one of several teams keeping tabs on the progress of Akin Odimayo ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports...

What's the word?

TEAMtalk claim the Owls are closely monitoring the 21-year-old defender after a string of impressive performances at League One strugglers Swindon Town this season.

Odimayo is also being coveted by Wednesday's second-flight rivals Preston North End, Stoke City and Derby County, though his current club have a one-year option to take up, meaning a fee would be needed to prise him away.

Imagine him & Iorfa

The centre-back, who can also play on the right, could be the perfect signing the Owls need should they face relegation, which after Tuesday night's latest defeat is becoming a mere formality.

In fact, that is something which could be confirmed as early as next week, so the Yorkshiremen might as well start planning ahead and finding a new centre-back is a very good place to start.

Darren Moore currently stands to lose as many as three central options in former skipper Tom Lees, Joost van Aken and emerging starlet Osaze Urhoghide as the trio remain out of contract in the summer.

Wednesday will be able to welcome back one of their star players in Dominic Iorfa next season as the impressive 25-year-old should be back from a long-term injury, and he'll be in need of a defensive partner.

Odimayo's versatility should please Moore too. Just like Iorfa and Urhoghide, he's able to play right-back as well as on the right-hand side of a back three, and this is where there could be a glaring gap left behind.

The 21-year-old stands at a little over 6-foot, yet has still managed to average 2.6 aerial duels won, as well as chipping in with 2.3 clearances and 1.2 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

By comparison, he is more productive in the tackle than Lees and Chey Dunkey and is ahead of Iorfa for clearances.

"I can see why teams are interested," explained Robins boss John Sheridan. "He’s a young lad who’s learning the game, and he’s got a lot to learn still."

Given Moore's track record with developing young talent, this could be a match made in heaven.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Westwood: THIS Owls passenger badly let Moore down vs Swansea...