Hinds will be out of action for three months after breaking a leg in the weekend defeat at Wolves and, with first choice right-back Frank Simek still six weeks away from a first-team return, Laws needs a replacement to avoid an early season crisis.

The Owls, who are in the advanced stages of a takeover by the Geoff Sheard consortium, do not have enough money available to fund a permanent deal but will sanction a temporary move due to the gravity of the situation.

Laws spoke to two clubs yesterday about possible targets and will be checking on both players with a view to a deal before Saturday's home game with Preston North End.

"The injury is devastating news for Richard who always gives everything for his hometown club," said Laws.

"He will be out for three months so I am actively seeking to strengthen this week."

Striker Akpo Sodje was the first serious casualty of the new season when damaging knee ligaments in the opening day victory over Burnley.

Striker Marcus Tudgay suffered a groin injury which led to his absence from the Carling Cup defeat by Rotherham United and Saturday's game at Wolves and winger Etienne Esajas limped off after scoring at Molineux.

Laws is optimistic that both Tudgay and Esajas will be available to face Preston but admits there is still no sign of a return to action for striker Francis Jeffers who has struggled with injuries since arriving at the club last summer.

Laws described the Owls' second-half display against Wolves as the 'worst' of his two year reign at the club, but also insists that he still has confidence in his players.

He now expects a 'positive reaction' from those who came in for criticism when the side returns to the field against Preston at Hillsborough in four days' time. "I expressed my concerns to those involved and at the time I was shocked and angry," he said. "We have the best supporters in the land, some who spend 60 per cent of their weekly earnings to support the team, and I will not accept anything less than players giving 100 per cent in return.

"We will move on now but we cannot allow ourselves to switch off like that again.

"I have a good set of players and I expect a positive reaction against Preston."

With debts of £27m, the Owls are in no position to push the boat out in the transfer market prior to the completion of a takeover.

Lancashire-based businessman Sheard insisted last night that one of his mystery backers had held talks with the club's finance director Bob Grierson in the last few days in a bid to speed things up.

"Bob Grierson spoke to one of my investors on Friday afternoon and we are still trying to conclude things as soon as possible," said Sheard.

The Owls, however, have denied that this conversation took place.

Former Owls chairman Dave Allen, director Geoff Hulley, and former director Keith Addy have all expressed a willingess to sell to Sheard providing his consortium show that funding is in place to complete the deal.

Although supporters group Wednesdayite voted to sell their 10 per stake two weeks ago – there has not yet been a formal offer for the shares.

It is understood that the Owls board have requested a meeting with the consortium in Switzerland this week.