Irvine promises more signings after duo arrive

Striker Paul Heffernan, released by Doncaster Rovers, is believed to be the target although striker Jon Macken, also without a club after leaving Barnsley, is another option.

The Owls announced the capture of Otsemobor on a two-year deal late yesterday afternoon – just hours after unveiling Sedgwick as their first signing of the summer.

Irvine is now aiming to complete a total of eight new signings before his players report back for pre-season training on July 1.

"It is going to be a busy few weeks between now and then," he said. "A lot of work has been done behind the scenes and there are things which could happen fairly soon."

Commenting on Otsemobor's arrival, Irvine said: "I've known about Jon for a long time, since he was a youth team player at Liverpool.

"He's a good athlete – quick, strong and he knows what it's like to be at a big club having spent his early years at Liverpool and then going on to play for the likes of Norwich and Southampton. He certainly ticks a lot of boxes."

Otsemobor, 27, also spent six months with Rotherham United four years ago but was sold to Crewe Alexandra to help balance the books.

Looking forward to his new challenge with Wednesday, Otsemobor said: "It goes without saying they are one of, if not the biggest club in the division. The most important thing for this club is to get out of this division as soon as possible."

Winger Sedgwick, a lifelong Wednesday supporter, joined the Owls on a two-year contract after being released by Preston.

Although primarily a right winger, he can also operate effectively on the left flank or in the centre of midfield.

Irvine said: "Everyone I speak to who is a Sheffield Wednesday fan say they want players who are desperate to play for this club. Well, there is nobody I know who is any more desperate to play for this club than Chris Sedgwick. That is not the reason I have signed him – but it is an added bonus.

"Chris is a top professional, a very hard working player, and a good character," he added. "He can play in several different roles, he has lots of experience and the strength of character that is needed to play at a place like Hillsborough."

Sedgwick, 30, was a target for Barnsley five months ago but says he turned down a loan move to Oakwell because he wanted a permanent deal.

Irvine admits Sedgwick may not be the last player moving to Hillsborough from Preston this summer.

Having spent two years at Deepdale prior to joining the Owls, he is monitoring a number of his former players who could yet be deemed surplus to requirements.

However, with finances tight at Hillsborough, much also depends on whether Preston are willing to compromise.

"We don't have any money for transfer fees so I can't look at buying anybody who is not out of contract," Irvine stressed. "But, if the qualities of players not wanted by Preston are ones we could do with, I would have to be interested."

Strikers Neil Mellor and Jon Parkin and defender Eddie Nolan are among those at Preston who Irvine is likely to rate – but, significantly, all three are still under contract.

The Lillywhites avoided relegation from the Championship last season but are currently embroiled in off-the-field turmoil. They are banking on a takeover deal led by Lancashire businessman Trevor Hemmings to avert the threat served by a winding-up order.

"It's possible there could be more (players) from Preston," Irvine added.

Howard Wilkinson, recently appointed interim chairman following the resignation of Lee Strafford, has told Irvine about the success he enjoyed at Leeds United after signing players he left behind at Hillsborough.

"I spoke to Howard to see whether he had bought players from his previous clubs and, of course, he took a raft of players to Leeds," said Irvine. "There are certainly pluses to bringing in players you have worked with before."

Asked to comment on speculation surrounding Heffernan and Macken, Irvine would only say: "I am aware that both are out of contract – along with an awful lot of other players."