OWLS MAKE £500,000 HOWARD BID

Sheffield Wednesday have increased their offer for Luton Town striker Steve Howard to £500,000 as they seek to capture the Hatters' top goal scorer for the past three seasons.

Howard, 28, netted 16 goals last season and Hatters boss Mike Newell turned down The Owls' £300,000 offer for Howard earlier this week. However, Hillsborough boss Chris Turner has returned with an improved offer for the former Tow Law Town, Hartlepool United and Northampton Town striker and the offer could well tempt Newell to let his prize asset go.

Sheffield Wednesday have released 13 players this summer, including ex-Hatter Paul McLaren, and they're looking to rebuild their squad for a promotion push next season. They've already captured Rotherham United defender Guy Branston on a Bosman free transfer, and look set to do the same with Bradford City's Paul Heckingbottom and Livingston's John Paul McGovern.

As well as making a cash bid for Howard, the Owls have also agreed a fee for Preston North End goalkeeper David Lucas and made offers for Blackpool striker Scott Taylor and enquired about Stockport County forward Luke Beckett.

Chairman Dave Allen is funding the moves as he looks to 'win over' the supporters and thwart Ken Bates' attempts to take over the struggling club.

With Howard out-of-contract at the end of the forthcoming season and free to move elsewhere for no fee, Newell will seriously have to consider the improved offer for the bustling striker.
Story date: Thursday, May 20, 2004