Sheffield Wednesday v Plymouth Argyle: Americans in advanced talks over investment at Owls

John Prutch, the managing partner of Club 9 Sports, issued a statement yesterday after the Yorkshire Post revealed that talks between the two parties had reached an advanced stage.

"I can confirm that Club 9 Sports LLC has been in ongoing discussions with the club and its advisors, Inner Circle Sports LLC since late November," he said.

"These discussions have been with a view to find an appropriate structure that will allow us to become part of the Wednesday family.

"What I can confirm is that at no stage have we discussed the possibility of buying shares in Sheffield Wednesday Plc," he added. "We are pursuing a deal by which our capital and skills can be utilised to assist the current management team, led by chairman Lee Strafford and chief executive Nick Parker, to fully implement their business plan for the club."

It is understood that a major new share issue, reserved for the new investors, is the way in which fresh money will be injected into the Owls, whose debts exceed 22m.

Prutch said his company was "impressed by the rich history of Sheffield Wednesday" and the opportunity to make the club a "major force within English football."

"That said, there is no guarantee that any deal will be completed," he added.

"I ask everybody who wants Sheffield Wednesday again to be successful for their patience at this time.

"Negotiations will continue with all the various parties in the coming weeks and we hope that a successful conclusion can be reached in due course."

Owls manager Alan Irvine, meanwhile, is counting down the hours to the closing of the transfer window.

With just three days to go before Monday's 5.0pm deadline, Irvine says there have been no bids for any players at Hillsborough.

However, goalkeeper Lee Grant, striker Marcus Tudgay and defender Mark Beevers have all been the subject of recent speculation and striker Francis Jeffers is on the transfer list.

Speaking ahead of today's home game with Plymouth Argyle, Irvine said: "I have not had any contact from any managers or clubs to talk about bids – but you are always fearful that bids will come in at the last minute.

"I will be sitting fairly close to the phone up until 5.0pm on Monday and, to be honest, I will be quite happy when that passes," he said.

Having secured the services of both midfield player Tom Soares and striker Luke Varney on loan until the end of the season, the Owls are unlikely to have the finances to strengthen again.

Irvine is satisified that his current squad has the quality to pull clear of trouble in the Championship but says talk of a late play-off push is premature.

The Owls climbed out of the relegation zone by winning three of Irvine's first four games in charge but are 13 points adrift of the top six.