Millwall have reportedly launched a formal approach for Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan, and the deal is expected to be completed this week.

Millwall emerged as front-runners to sign Bannan last week, but it was reported on Saturday morning that the Lions had yet to make an official move for the 36-year-old, and no permission had been obtained for discussions to take place.

However, after scoring 37 goals and providing 75 assists in 477 games for the club, Bannan made what appears to be his final appearance in a Wednesday shirt in Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Bristol City at Ashton Gate, with his tearful farewell to the away fans after the final whistle indicating that his departure is imminent.

Bannan’s move to The Den appears to be getting closer, with BBC Radio Sheffield writer Rob Staton stating that Millwall made a formal approach for the midfielder on Saturday night, with the deal expected to be completed this week.

Barry Bannan closes in on Sheffield Wednesday’s exit as Millwall make a formal proposal.

Bannan had previously indicated his wish to stay at Wednesday for the rest of his career, and despite the off-field drama, he signed a new deal at Hillsborough in the summer for a significantly reduced salary of roughly £7,000 per week.

However, with the Owls almost certain to be relegated to League One this season, and with no imminent sign of a takeover being completed as the EFL waits to see if James Bord’s consortium is approved, Bannan has opted to end his stint in S6.

Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen said on Saturday that Bannan had expressed a wish to go, telling The Star: “I can say that Barry wants to leave, and of course I don’t want it to be that he has to leave, but Barry and his representatives are speaking with the club to find a solution.”

Millwall made an official bid for Bannan on Saturday night, and he reportedly passed a medical with the Lions on Sunday ahead of his move to The Den, with the deal expected to be completed in the coming days.

However, the Owls are unlikely to earn a fee for Bannan, as a verbal agreement is said to exist to allow him to leave on a free transfer, and it is unclear whether the EFL will grant them permission to bring in a replacement for their talisman.

Barry Bannan made the perfect Sheffield Wednesday call as the Millwall move looms.

There were emotional scenes at Ashton Gate on Saturday as Bannan bid farewell to Wednesday fans, and it will undoubtedly be a difficult choice for the midfielder to leave a club to which he has given so much loyalty over the years.

However, with the Owls’ on-field situation becoming increasingly bleak, combined with off-field uncertainty as the wait for a takeover continues, it is understandable that Bannan has decided to move on at this point, especially with an offer on the table from Championship promotion-chasing Millwall.

Not only could Bannan receive a final chance to play in the Premier League with the Lions if they win promotion, but they are also apparently prepared to offer him an 18-month deal with a big wage raise, making the move to The Den a no-brainer for the Scot.