Sheffield Wednesday renew plea for 'credible' investors

Sheffield Wednesday have made a fresh appeal for "credible" investors with £5m to commit to the club immediately.

The League One club were issued with a winding-up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs last week.

A club statement said: "We have been made offers that fall short of the conditions that have been set."

American company Club 9 Sports LLC has been rumoured to be interested but no firm offer has been made and the club dismissed them as "making noise".

The statement continued: "Club 9 Sports LLC is one such party and while they continue to make noise in the media, we focus on negotiations with credible long-term partners.

We will not let anybody take control unless they have the ability to meet the club's financial requirements in the short, medium and long term Sheffield Wednesday club statement

"Central to [requirements] is the ability to invest money into the club straight away.

"We have stated that £5m is the minimum figure needed on day one.

"This figure would allow for a major reduction in the debt position of the club and would ultimately give more resources to the manager to invest in the playing squad.

"We recognise that investment is needed but will not let anybody take control of Sheffield Wednesday unless they have the ability to meet the club's financial requirements in the short, medium and long term."

The Owls' plight was eased this week with the sale of goalkeeper Lee Grant to Burnley for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £1m.

HMRC's action relates to an outstanding PAYE balance of £550,000.