Owls agree deal for Premier League keeper

Kirkland moves to Hillsborough Sheffield Wednesday have made an early move to strengthen their squad ahead of next seasons Championship campaign by signing goalkeeper Chris Kirkland on a two-year deal. The 31-year-old’s current contract with Premier League side Wigan Athletic comes to an end this summer and he will officially become a Wednesday player in July. Kirkland first caught the eye at Coventry City where his impressive performances drew the attentions of Liverpool who paid £6 Million for him in 2001. His opportunities at Anfield were fleeting and often curtailed by frustrating injuries. As a result he sought opportunities elsewhere, spending the 2005/06 season on loan at West Bromwich Albion and then securing a shorter deal with Wigan at the start of the following season. This move was turned into a permanent deal in January 2007 and Kirkland went on to make well over 100 appearances for the Latics. To date only 2 players have represented Wigan more times in the Premier League than the Leicester-born keeper. Despite the fact that he is regarded in some quarters as injury prone Kirkland made over 30 league appearances in 3 successive seasons for Wigan and his lack of 1st team action in the past 2 seasons has been as a result of the fine form of Oman international Ali Al Habsi rather than any fitness problems. Kirkland, who has 1 full England cap and has been selected for the national squad on numerous occasions is said to have undergone an extensive 5-hour medical with the Owls on Wednesday.  

Source: FOOTYMAD