Update emerges on Sheffield Wednesday's interest in out-of-contract Watford talent

Sheffield Wednesday are among the clubs to have taken the chance to target some potential youth talents in recent weeks. Decisions over existing academy players paves the way for possible additions to come in on trial. A handful of the Owls’ prospects will be moving on and among those given a chance to catch the eye ahead of a potential move is striker James Collins. The 19-year-old is on the books at Championship rivals Watford and his trial was reported last month. Now though, it has emerged that Wednesday are taking an extended look at Collins. Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS. The Star states that ahead of his expected exit from Vicarage Road, Sheffield Wednesday are continuing to assess him. Collins started in a 2-0 win over Bristol City’s development squad on Tuesday. Collins sees his Watford contract expire this summer so a deal will come at no cost if released. He was on the first-team bench against Stoke City back in August and has spent time out on loan with Haringey Borough and Royston Town since joining from Hertford Town in January 2023. Clubs up and down the country will be on the lookout for new academy recruits this summer. Plenty of EFL sides have found joy in signing up youngsters let go by their rivals and Sheffield Wednesday may well be looking to pull off something similar with a move for Collins. The fact he’s been with the Owls for a decent while now suggests they like what they see in the 19-year-old striker. However, time will tell if he can do enough to earn a deal with the Hillsborough outfit. While academy staff eye potential signings, those in the first-team setup will be laser focused on the relegation fight. Sheffield Wednesday sit 22nd in the Championship table as it stands. They’re level on points with Huddersfield Town above them with four games left to climb out of the relegation zone.