Semedo is recruited by Megson to bolster Owls squad

SHEFFIELD Wednesday manager Gary Megson stepped up his summer recruitment drive yesterday by landing Portuguese midfielder Jose Semedo from Charlton Athletic.

Semedo, 26, has signed a three-year contract with the Owls after rejecting a new deal with the Londoners.

He becomes the fourth new arrival of the summer at Hillsborough after Scunthorpe United centre-back Rob Jones, former Leeds United midfielder David Prutton and Nottingham Forest left-back Julian Bennett.

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Megson, who is currently away with his squad on a seven-day training break in Austria, had warned of an ‘urgent’ need for new signings earlier this week.

At that stage, the Owls had acquired only two new players since the end of the season and released seven – bringing the size of their squad down to 19 ahead of a trip partly designed to promote a sense of togetherness in the dressing room.

Leicester City winger Lloyd Dyer could be the next to be welcomed into the Owls family as he is on the brink of joining the club.

Megson also aims to win the race for Preston North End striker Neil Mellor – who scored 20 goals on loan for the Owls last season – but faces competition from Championship clubs.

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Semedo, who joined Charlton four years ago from Sporting Lisbon, has been a major success at League One level and was voted Player of the Year by Charlton supporters last season.

“He’s a holding midfielder who can play centre-back as well,” said Megson.

“We have a way that we would like to play this season and having Jose is crucial to that.

“He has a very good reputation and comes with great recommendations,” added Megson.

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“I spent some time with him in London after the end of the season and he came across really well.

“He’s really keen to play for Wednesday and we’re really pleased to get him into the club.”

Charlton are currently in talks with the Owls over a possible deal for centre-back Michael Morrison who has struggled at Hillsborough since moving from Leicester six months ago.

Charlton manager Chris Powell, who worked previously with Morrison at Leicester, has paved the way for the move by agreeing to sell former Sheffield United and Bradford City defender Simon Francis to Bournemouth.