Laws allowed to spend money from any sales
Brian Laws has a budget backstop after being told he can spend any money raked in from an enforced sale.
Although Sheffield Wednesday's manager is intent on keeping Richard Wood and Tommy Spurr, the possibility persists that either player could attract a tempting offer if they continue to stall on new deals.
But Laws – already cleared to add a striker and a midfielder to his squad – can count on investing any incoming cash.
"I'm in a healthy position," said the Owls boss. "The uplift in the budget has allowed me to make early moves and look further afield.
"There are all sorts of permutations and if a player is sold the money will come back into the team."
This explains why Laws is relaxed over the Wood/ Spurr scenario. He still believes they will stay after further talks, albeit doubtless having potential replacements in mind as a contingency.
"No player is invincible or irreplaceable," he says. "If someone moves on, they move on."
Clubs often look to make signings first and balance the books later to whip up optimism in the approach to a new season, but it appears Wednesday are committed to prioritising the team in a redeployment of resources.
Wood's future is the one that raises the biggest question mark. He faces a fight for his place as one of four centre backs at the club following the signing of Darren Purse, who can be considered a prime pick in partnership with Wood, Mark Beevers or Richard Hinds.
Coventry are expected to be on the alert after their aborted bid to sign the 23-year-old last season when his request to leave alienated him with some fans. However, Wood pledged allegiance following fresh talks with Laws and has a genuine feeling for the club that he must balance with what is best for his career.
Meanwhile, the Owls are likely to press home an interest in Everton striker Victor Anichebe after it emerged that original forward target, West Ham's Freddie Sears, is now bound for Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace, having elected to stay in London.
Laws admitted last week that he wasn't counting on Sears and had alternatives in mind.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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