Owls join MacLean hunt

Sheffield Wednesday have joined League One rivals Bristol City in the hunt for Steven MacLean after agreeing a fee for the Rangers striker.

The Robins were the first to concur on a price tag with the Scottish giants but The Owls have also had a bid accepted.

MacLean shot to prominence last season when he rattled in 25 goals during a loan spell with Scunthorpe United.

He is being allowed to leave Ibrox with City and Wednesday both offering the 21-year-old the chance to step up a level from last term.

The young hot shot is due to discuss a switch to Ashton Gate early next week, with Robins chairman Steve Lansdown hopeful his club can persuade MacLean to snub The Owls' overtures for Brian Tinnion's (pictured) side.

"Everybody knows that Bristol City have a great reputation for giving younger players a chance and hopefully that can be a major factor in Steven's decision," Lansdown told the club's official website.

"We're a big club with a large and loyal fanbase. You just have to look at the amount of sell-outs we had at Ashton Gate last season, coupled with the two Millennium Stadium appearances to realise that.

"It's not all about money, it's also about ambition. We want to be challenging at the top of the division again next season and hopefully Steven will want to join us in our promotion bid.

"We hope to begin discussions with Steven and his agent early next week."