Barnsley boss eyes O’Grady as Sheffield Wednesday sign Mattock

The Tykes, who have released veteran Andy Gray, are in the market for a new striker and O’Grady played under Hill at Rochdale.

“Over the course of the last season, there were tentative enquiries,” admitted Hill. “He represents value for money as a mobile target man but there are quite a few mobile target men available. He’s not on the list and he’s not off it – but any potential signing has to match up financially with what we can afford as a football club.”

O’Grady, 26, joined the Owls last season in a £350,000 deal from Rochdale but lost his first team place after the arrival of new manager Dave Jones. He is under contract until summer 2014.

Speculation that O’Grady will be allowed to leave Hillsborough this summer has intensified following the Owls’ bid to sign striker Chris Maguire from Derby County.

Wednesday last night completed the signing of Joe Mattock.

The 22-year-old defender joins the Owls on a two-year contract.

The former England under 17s, 19s and 21s player joins from West Brom, having previously played for Leicester.