Former Sheffield Wednesday defender Carlton Palmer has urged his former club to complete the signing of midfielder Stuart Armstrong amid strong rumours a bid is being lined up.
The Scotland international only joined Vancouver Whitecaps in September from Southampton, where he penned a two-year deal. He made 11 appearances during the latter stage of the MLS season, scoring twice and assisting a further two goals.
Despite only just making the move across the Atlantic, Armstrong has been heavily touted to return to England before the end of the transfer window next week. It was revealed last week that Sheffield Wednesday were amongst the interested parties, with Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion also joining the race.
The Owls are targeting an unlikely play-off spot this season. They currently sit 10th in the division, only three points off the top six. As such, there could be further transfer activity before the window closes next Monday.
Palmer Offers Danny Rohl Transfer Advice
With only a few days remaining for clubs to add to their squad, Wednesday legend Carlton Palmer has issued a message to head coach Danny Rohl. He believes Armstrong would be a welcome addition to the German’s ranks, having helped Southampton achieve promotion to the Premier League last season. Speaking to Football League World, the ex-England international said:
“Danny Rohl is ambitious and wants to kick on, so he is hoping to get a player or two through the door to help them try and secure a play-off place this season. One player is Stuart Armstrong, who he previously worked with at Southampton and is now plying his trade for Vancouver Whitecaps.
“The midfielder is under contract for another year but could make a move in the final week of the transfer window. He was very much an integral part of Southampton’s promotion-winning campaign last season so he knows the Championship well.
“With Shea Charles working again under Rohl, this could be a good fit for Wednesday. It would be an exciting signing for the club, we will have to wait and see whether Whitecaps would let him go.”
Writer’s View
Armstrong is a player with bags of experience and he could be just the player Sheffield Wednesday need. Coupled alongside the likes of Barry Bannan and Josh Windass, the 32-year-old could help the younger members of the squad and provide the final piece of the jigsaw in the race for a play-off place. It may be a difficult transfer though. There is likely to be a fee involved and with other parties interested, it will be interesting to see how much Vancouver Whitecaps will demand.
