Lucas Joao has told O Jogo newspaper that he intends to return to Sheffield Wednesday and play for them next season when his loan deal at Blackburn Rovers expires in the summer.

What's the word?

The Portuguese forward was shipped out on loan in January to pick up more game time and Championship experience.

The 23-year-old had started seven league matches for the Owls and came off the bench in three during the first half of the campaign.

In that time, Joao provided just the one assist and failed to find the back of the net, but after a slow start at Blackburn, he is beginning to find his feet.

The attacker is yet to start a game, but he has made four appearances off the bench and scored three times, his latest of which came in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Fulham.

While speaking to O Jogo in his homeland, Joao suggested that he does not intend to stay with Blackburn beyond the summer, but instead wants to play Premier League football with the Owls.

“Last year, it was a close call, we didn’t get promoted. I hope it happens this season, even because I could play in the Premier League.”

Could Joao become an asset to the Owls?

The forward is already in his second season as a Sheffield Wednesday player, but he has so far failed to secure a regular spot in the first team.

Sending players out on loan can sometimes be construed as a bad sign, but at the moment, Joao's switch to Blackburn will only benefit the Owls in the future.

The young gun may not be starting many games, but he has proven that he can score important goals.

The 94th-minute hit against Fulham on Tuesday night earned Rovers a crucial point and in turn kept Sheffield Wednesday in the playoff places.

There is still a long way to go yet in terms of the club's promotion bid, and Joao needs to improve aspects of his game, particularly his ability to keep hold of the ball, be he could become a good option if the club make it into the top flight.

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