Sheffield Wednesday have appointed a sports-focused investment bank as advisers for a possible club takeover.

New York-based Inner Circle Sports LLC were integral in the takeovers of Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Owls chairman Lee Strafford has just returned from talks with potential investors in the United States.

He told BBC Radio Sheffield: "Jeff Mallett (Derby County investor) said if you get Inner Circle in then you'll probably get the right result."

He added: "I was disappointed for that [the news of the involvement of the bank] to come out, it's unfortunate because it's thrown a bit of a curve ball to our fans.

"But I want say thanks to Derby for being supportive of us and helping us to understand the American market and thanks to Geoff to helping us with his advice."

The club released a statement explaining why they believe progress can be made to secure the future of the club.

"This bank and its directors have great experience in co-ordinating and executing transactions, both in the United States and in Europe, having been involved in many of the largest sports investment processes in recent years, " it read.

"Prior to agreeing to undertake the assignment, Inner Circle Sports have undertaken initial due diligence to assess the extent to which a transaction can be completed and have satisfied themselves that the longer term opportunity for an investing syndicate is compelling."

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