Ambitious transfer wish hints at where Sheffield Wednesday are going – and how a tide has turned

And it may well be that Cardiff City slam the door firmly in Sheffield Wednesday’s face.

But Darren Moore’s openness over a desire to explore the possible signing of on-loan youngster Mark McGuinness is exciting – even if that is the case.

The Republic of Ireland youth international is one of the most exciting prospects to have stepped through the doors at S6 for many seasons, with a calmness and style of play belying his 21 years.

Off the field he exudes an aura of calm and quiet confidence – a personality that shines through on the field be that on the ball or in defence.

Moore admitted over the weekend that he was surprised McGuinness had remained available by the time Akin Famewo had found himself on the long-term injury list and Wednesday found themselves back in the market for a starting-quality centre-half in late August.

Next time his name falls on the transfer radar – be that for loan or something more permanent – you can bet there will be a fiercer battle for his signature.

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McGuinness’ contract in South Wales is set to run until the summer of 2024, with little clarity over whether or not there’s an extension clause lumped in.

A 21-year-old Arsenal academy graduate with 34 Championship and 35 League One appearances to his name would come at a premium, you’d think, the defender primed and ready with big-club experience at Cardiff, Ipswich and now Wednesday.

But Moore and Wednesday’s recruitment team have proven his ability to reach high in the market.

What his admission over an interest in McGuinness does represent a continuation of one strand of the club’s recruitment model under Dejphon Chansiri.

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While much has been made of the experience and age of the squad and the free transfer additions of wily third tier names such as David Stockdale, Michael Ihiekwe and Michael Smith, there’s been forward-thinking in the fee-paying market not necessarily followed in the dizzy, money-spun early days of Chansiri’s premiership.

The signings of Mallik Wilks, Akin Famewo and Tyreeq Bakinson represent a look towards the future, all under the age of 24 and, vitally, with sell-on potential.

An ambitious inquiry for McGuinness would follow that trend. Wednesday appear to be forging a new way forward.