Sheffield Wednesday must target 12-goal Plymouth Argyle star – one big factor could help them.

With the Championship season over, Sheffield Wednesday will undergo significant change this summer.

Wednesday had a strong first half of the season and were considered outside play-off contenders. However, their promotion push stalled due to a decline in form and off-field issues.

The Owls did manage to finish in the top half, which represents excellent progress after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, but it is difficult to be confident that they will build on that success given the uncertainty surrounding Hillsborough.

Southampton’s manager Danny Rohl is expected to leave the club this summer, but his move is uncertain as the club is in talks with RC Lens manager Will Still. This raises questions about who will replace Rohl if the South Coast club does not hire him.

Rohl’s position at Wednesday has become untenable after openly discussing his potential next move in a recent interview. However, the club’s summer transfer plans may be negatively impacted if his future is not resolved.

Sheffield Wednesday should be looking at Ryan Hardie, Plymouth Argyle swoop.

The lack of clarity over Rohl’s managerial position is frustrating in any circumstance, but given the amount of work needed on the squad this summer, a quick resolution is crucial for Wednesday.

The Owls have extended the contract of top scorer Josh Windass, who scored 13 goals this season, for another year. While this is a significant boost, the South Yorkshire club still lacks forward depth.

Wednesday have extended striker Michael Smith’s contract for another year and offered Callum Paterson a new contract. This is a well-deserved reward for both players, who each scored eight goals this season.

However, not long ago, both Paterson and Smith were deemed surplus to requirements and appeared to be on their way out, and given that the duo are now 30 and 33 years old, there are doubts about how much longer they can deliver at Championship level, while there is a strong argument that the Owls require a few younger – and more prolific – options up front.

Wednesday have three strikers on their books: Jamal Lowe, Charlie McNeill, and Ike Ugbo. However, Lowe was the only one to score in the league this season, with only three goals. It’s likely that the club will try to sell all three players this summer.

The Owls should consider Plymouth Argyle striker Ryan Hardie, who scored 12 goals in 40 appearances despite being relegated to League One.

Hardie had a strong season in the Championship, scoring 13 goals in 45 games. With the Scot likely to stay in the second tier after the Pilgrims’ demise, Wednesday should consider signing him.

The Scotland factor could help Sheffield Wednesday land. Ryan Hardie

Based on his track record at Plymouth,

Championship, it is safe to say that if Hardie stays fit, he is almost certain to reach double figures in goals, and he could potentially improve significantly on his tally from this season in a more successful team.

Wednesday have experienced Hardie’s clinical finishing, with the 28-year-old scoring four times in nine appearances against the club in recent years. With his availability this summer for the right price, the club should consider bringing him to Hillsborough to address their goal-scoring needs.

Hardie has been linked with ambitious newly-promoted side Wrexham, and if the Red Dragons confirm their interest, the Owls may struggle to compete financially, but there is one advantage they could use.

Despite his strong form for Argyle near the end of the season, Hardie was once again overlooked by Scotland manager Steve Clarke when he announced his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein on Monday.

Former Plymouth manager Ian Foster claimed in March that Hardie was on the verge of receiving his first senior call-up for his country, but over a year later, that has yet to happen, and the striker’s international ambitions will undoubtedly be at the forefront of his mind when deciding on his next move this summer.

While Wrexham may be more competitive than Wednesday in the Championship next season, there are questions about Hardie’s game time at the SToK Cae Ras. The Red Dragons are expected to be one of the biggest spenders outside the Premier League this summer, with several high-profile additions likely.

Hardie would have no such issues at Hillsborough, where he would almost certainly start every week, so the Owls must try to persuade him that they can help him progress both at club and international levels, and owner Dejphon Chansiri should have no reservations about spending heavily on the striker.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk