Sheffield Wednesday opened talks with Morgan Fox over a new contract in mid-January and don’t appear to have made any progress two months later, admit Jonty Colman and Dom Howson of Examiner Live. The 26-year-old’s deal expires this summer, but his representatives are yet to reach an agreement with Wednesday which could result in Fox leaving on a free transfer in July. So why hasn’t he put pen to paper on an extension?
Wednesday were in a strong negotiating position when they initially opened talks with Fox – sixth in the Championship after 27 games and on course to finish in the playoffs. The Owls are now the second-worst performing club in 2020 and have the second-worst defensive record, however. They sit 15th in the table and are closer the relegation zone than fifth-place, so Fox may be having second thoughts.
Where will Sheffield Wednesday finish in the Championship?
1st - 6th
7th - 14th
15th - 21th
22th - 24th
Back in January, the left-back was being linked with Nottingham Forest, Derby County, West Bromwich Albion, Huddersfield Town and Blackburn Rovers. He stayed at Hillsborough and things have since spiralled, so Fox could be considering his options for next season. He’s spent three years at Hillsborough since joining from Charlton Athletic, making 102 appearances in all competitions.
Monk doesn’t sound too confident when pressed about the matter, saying earlier in March: “Hopefully (we will get that done) very soon. What I know from the conversations I have had with Morgan is he is happy here.” The club’s predicament with the EFL may be to blame for his pessimism, as a points deduction looms after Wednesday were deemed to have fallen foul of FFP regulations.
Fox has been one of the standout performers this season and may want to cash in on his reputation, or the 26-year-old’s are just requesting terms that Wednesday can’t accept. Time will tell if he commits.
