Wednesday keen on Southampton striker Sharp

Sheffield Wednesday are interested in signing Southampton’s Billy Sharp, according to chairman Milan Mandaric.

The Sheffield-born striker, who has played for city rivals United as well as Doncaster Rovers, is a fringe player at Southampton and is on Wednesday manager Dave Jones’ radar as a result, with Mandaric confirming that discussions have taken place with the Premier League club.

“We are interested in Billy and are in dialogue with Southampton,” he told The Sheffield Star.

Jones still has two years left on his contract at St Mary’s, with the player’s wages a potential issue for Wednesday.

However, a temporary move could be an option, with the 27-year-old having spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he scored 10 goals in 39 Championship appearances.

He was also a target for Doncaster boss Paul Dickov over the close-season, but Sharp insisted recently that he wants to fight for his place at Southampton.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League and I will continue to make myself available to the manager,” he told Sky Sports.

“I have been linked with numerous clubs this summer but it is all just speculation as far as I am concerned.”

Wednesday are currently 20th in the Championship after losing their first two league games of the season.