Wednesday are currently outside the top 10 but just five points away from sixth placed Coventry City. Sheffield Wednesday have failed to score in any of their last four league games against Sheffield United with Lucas Joao the last player to score for the Owls against United back in September 2017.

The failure to secure Clarke was emblematic of Wednesday’s wider recruitment struggles, a recurring theme that has left their squad lacking the depth and tactical flexibility required to compete consistently. With Clarke now preparing to return from injury in time for the derby, they may come to regret their inability to get the deal over the line.