Championship legend with 51 assists drops hint amid Millwall and Middlesbrough transfer links

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan has dropped a cryptic hint over his future as the Championship club endures a torrid summer off the pitch. Millwall and Middlesbrough were credited with transfer interest in the veteran this week.

The 35-year-old is currently a free agent after his contract at Hillsborough expired at the end of June. However, the midfielder has continued to train with the Owls and it has been widely reported that he had been keen to remain at Sheffield Wednesday.

Despite his allegiances, that may not be possible for Bannan with the second tier outfit struggling financially. The Championship season is due to kick off on August 10 but the club currently has just 14 senior players following a mass exodus.

Barry Bannan shares cryptic message on social media

Manager Danny Rohl also left Hillsborough with the pre-season friendly against Burnley cancelled and the club failing to pay staff members on time. Bannan took to social media ahead of the weekend to share a motivational message with followers as the crisis continues.

In a screenshot shared by The Star reporter Joe Crann, Bannan’s message read: “Remember, no storm lasts forever. Hold on. Be brave. Every storm is temporary and we’re never alone.”

The message had Sheffield Wednesday supporters scrambling to read in between the lines, hoping that the midfielder may stay on at Hillsborough. Ultimately, the post could be interpreted either way, but it will certainly have piqued the interest of Millwall and Boro.

The Star had named the two Championship rivals as teams that could capitalise on Sheffield Wednesday misfortune should Bannan have to leave the club. The player has been at Hillsborough since 2015 and would add significant experience to the Lions squad. Bannan has 374 Championship appearances to his name, with 18 goals and 51 assists. The midfielder has also played in the Premier League when with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

Millwall sign ex QPR and Spurs midfielder

Millwall have already strengthened in midfield this summer with the arrival of Massimo Luongo on a free transfer from Ipswich Town at the end of July. The 32-year-old has signed a one year deal at The Den having trained with the squad during pre-season.

A former Sheffield Wednesday man himself, Luongo has also turned out for Tottenham Hotspur and QPR. Speaking about the transfer, director of football Steve Gallen said: "Massimo is a great player. Everyone is probably aware that he has been training with us and joined us in Spain for the two fixtures last week. He is a player who I know well from his time at QPR, and he brings a wealth of experience to midfield, which is one of the reasons we brought him in.

"He has had a great few seasons with Ipswich Town, helping them to the Premier League, where he made 11 appearances last campaign, and has been an excellent addition around the training ground already."

In other news, Championship relegation favourites and how Millwall, QPR and Charlton Athletic compare to rivals.