Barry Bannan’s name has been on everyone’s lips as Sheffield Wednesday prepare for their return to League One next season.

The 36-year-old is regarded as a modern-day Hillsborough club legend, but he left the club in January to join Millwall, where he has had little impact.

It seemed unavoidable that there would be discussion of a summer comeback for the Owls, and now that Wednesday is in a better position under David Storch, it appears that talk could become a reality.

However, how quickly could a deal for the Scot materialise? Now there’s an intriguing update on a possible transfer.

Sheffield Wednesday not close to signing Barry Bannan

Last week, reports surfaced that Millwall are willing to part ways with Bannan after only six months at the club, and that serious talks about a return had begun.

The midfielder has a year left on his contract at The Den, but given his age and competition for places, it would be understandable if he was permitted to depart this summer.

Bannan made 16 games for the Lions, including two in the Championship play-offs, but he was primarily used as a substitute under head coach Alex Neil.

According to The Star, contract talks with a number of players are doing well, and work has been done to detail prospective incoming transfer deals, including one with club great Bannan.

However, the publication also notes that rumours of a particularly impending announcement of that deal are unfounded, as new owners Arise remain on the planned timeframe for exiting administration.

Why the Bannan saga is set to last all summer.

Given that The Star reports that Wednesday’s new owners are still focused on exiting administration, it appears that news of incoming transfers will have to wait.

Before securing any prospective incomings, Sheffield Wednesday may wish to finalise deals for Max Lowe and Gui Siqueira, with whom the club revealed they were in talks as their contracts expire at the end of June.

Bannan is thought to be eager to return to Hillsborough, so convincing him should be easy, but his contract at The Den remains a potential stumbling block.

Wednesday are still not permitted to pay transfer fees for players due to financial troubles under Dejphon Chansiri, thus they must negotiate a free transfer or mutually end the player’s contract with Millwall.

Once that is accomplished, a return to South Yorkshire would appear to be a formality, with the player and club negotiating personal terms.

The midfielder has made the sixth-most appearances for the Owls, and if he returns, he will be well-positioned to surpass fellow Scot Andrew Wilson’s 546.