Sheffield Wednesday 'eyeing' Doncaster Rovers star Owen Bailey as Bradford City and MK Dons 'join race'
Sheffield Wednesday 'eyeing' Doncaster Rovers captain Owen Bailey as Bradford City 'join race'
Doncaster Rovers captain Owen Bailey is said to have emerged as a target for both Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City.
The 27-year-old is arguably the most valuable asset in Doncaster’s ranks and has seen his stock soar since arriving in South Yorkshire three years ago.
A relatively low-key recruit from Gateshead in 2023, Bailey has flourished under the tutelage of manager Grant McCann and firmly established himself at EFL level.
The midfielder, who can also drop in at centre-back, has made 168 appearances and collected a League Two winner’s medal during his time with Rovers.
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Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City linked with Doncaster Rovers star
However, according to Football Insider, Doncaster could face a battle to keep hold of their star man. Wednesday are said to be eyeing a move for the Newcastle United academy product as part of their post-relegation rebuild in League One.
Bradford, who finished fourth in the League One table last term before losing to Bolton Wanderers in the play-off semi-finals, are also thought to be in the race for Bailey’s signature.
Fellow League One outfits Stockport County, Oxford United and Milton Keynes Dons have also been named as admirers of Bailey, who has scored 24 goals for his current employers.
Bailey’s Doncaster deal is due to expire next year, although the club hold a one-year extension option.
Grant McCann’s suitors
There may well be interest in the midfielder but potential suitors have already been given a warning by Doncaster boss McCann.
In April, the Northern Irishman warned it would take “a lot” to lure Bailey away from the Eco-Power Stadium.
He said: “Bails has still got two years left after this. He's got a year and a year's club option. So we're under no sort of stress on that side of it. It would take a serious amount of money to prise him and [Luke] Molyneux away from this football club.
“When you're in the bracket of top four players in the division, supported by your peers or whatever it might be, then the price tag absolutely will rise. But it would take a lot to get him away from the football club.
“If the club deemed that was fit enough to be acceptable for them, then fair play to the lad because he's worked so hard over the three years he's been here to put him in this position.
“To come from Gateshead as probably the lowest-paid player at the club in the first year and to get to the point he's at now is remarkable.”