Pierce Charles absent from Sheffield Wednesday training after Rangers interest
Pierce Charles has been absent from Sheffield Wednesday's pre-season preparations amid transfer interest from Rangers and others.
The Light Blues have been linked with the young shot-stopper ahead of a summer move, which now looks likely.
Sheffield Wednesday had their relegation from the EFL Championship confirmed long ago after they started the season with a major points deduction.
The Owls will now rebuild in League One under new ownership, though Charles looks destined to leave Hillsborough to seek pastures new.
The Bears are keen to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, with the future of Jack Butland uncertain.
Rangers will soon have a decision to make on Charles, among other goalkeeping targets.
Pierce Charles transfer race heats up amid Rangers interest
Rangers are in talks to sign Hull City's Ivor Pandur, with Butland said to be part of a possible player-plus-cash swap deal.
However, as reported by the Daily Record on Friday, the Bears are still said to be in the race for Charles.
It's not known how far ahead the Gers are with Pandur, but if their attempts fail, they could turn their attention to Charles once more, though they could still be in talks behind the scenes.
It's said that Charles has been absent from pre-season training with the Owls, but it's emerged that it's due to the player having extra time off after international duties with Northern Ireland.
The race for the 20-year-old has "ramped up", with Strasbourg reportedly the current leading candidate for his signature.
Charles is in his final 12 months of his contract with Sheffield Wednesday, but the exit of Danny Rohl could have played a twist in the Bears' transfer push.
Has Danny Rohl's exit impacted Charles transfer push?
Rohl seemed keen on reuniting with Charles this summer after the pair's previous time together at Sheffield Wednesday.
The German head coach left Ibrox for RB Salzburg recently, and the appointment of Derek McInnes may have changed things with the keeper.
However, it's said that Rangers' transfer plans do, in fact, remain relatively unchanged despite the managerial switch-up.
Rangers would face competition from Manchester City and Strasbourg, among other clubs, for his signature, with Sheffield Wednesday yet to receive any offers.