Owls sign winger as Marshall heads for transfer auction

Manager Gary Megson swooped for Jones after Newcastle United refused to extend the loan stay of James Tavernier.

Brown, 24, has been a regular in Bury’s side for the last four seasons after starting his career with hometown club Tranmere Rovers. He has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Owls who have paid an undislosed fee

Winger Ben Marshall, meanwhile, is set to make his final appearance for the Owls tomorrow after Stoke City blocked the possibility of an extension to his loan.

Marshall has rejected a new deal with the Premier League club and is now likely to be sold to the highest bidder.

Huddersfield Town have expressed an interest and are in a better position financially to secure his signature.

Megson said: “The situation is becoming clearer. Ben has not agreed a contract with Stoke. There seems to be a bit of an impasse so, as I see it, he will play his last game against Charlton. There are other clubs interested in him.”

Explaining the departure of fullback Tavernier, Megson said: “I rang (Newcastle’s manager) Alan Pardew) and he just said he didn’t want him to play outside right which is where he was playing for us.

“I fully understand it but these are the problems you get because James is not our player. He’s done brilliantly for us and I think he enjoyed it here but we have been denied his services for the rest of the season.”

Megson dismissed rumours linking former England striker Emile Heskey with a move from Aston Villa, saying: “It’s silly season all the time at Hillsborough. We couldn’t get anywhere near Emile Heskey. He’s a terrific player but we couldn’t even get close.”

The Owls could be boosted by the return of Gary Madine from a broken toe tomorrow although the striker will only be in contention for a place on the bench due to his lack of match fitness.

Defender Julian Bennett has been training after being stretchered off with a head injury during last weekend’s FA Cup third-round victory over West Ham United. Defender Lewis Buxton is also back on the training ground after a lengthy absence with hamstring trouble.

Midfielder James O’Connor, released at the end of last month, has signed for American soccer club Orlando City, who are managed by former Sheffield United manager Adrian Heath.

The Owls’ away fixture at Milton Keynes Dons, originally scheduled for January 28, has been moved to Tuesday, January 31, kick off 7.45pm, due to the club’s involvement in the fourth round of the FA Cup.