Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws has still not given up hope of signing Derby defender Michael Johnson this month.

But with money tight at the cash-strapped Owls, Laws knows he will have to sell before he can buy if centre-back Johnson is to return to Hillsborough.

Johnson recently enjoyed three months on loan with Wednesday, but was back in Derby colours helping to shore up the leaky Rams backline in a 2-2 FA Cup third-round draw against them at Pride Park.

Derby, rock-bottom of the Premier League, were staring at an ignominious exit from the competition as they trailed 2-0 after 23 minutes.

But the departure of right-back Tyrone Mears on 32 minutes due to what boss Paul Jewell described as "breathing difficulties" led to Johnson's arrival, a reshuffle across the back, and with it greater stability.

As he warmed up on the touchline, Johnson was lauded by the 5,500 travelling Owls fans who clearly hold him in high regard following his loan spell.

As does Laws, whose Championship strugglers now face a replay after their own defensive deficiencies were exposed by Derby.

"It showed how well he has done with us, because the one thing we are lacking in defence is experience," assessed Laws on his side who are point above the relegation zone.

"Having said that, Mark Beevers, who has only just turned 18, got his first goal for the club.

"He is going to make elementary mistakes, his positional sense will not be quite right, and good quality strikers will catch him out at times.

"But I thought he was terrific. He's had a good run of games and he is improving. He's a fantastic prospect.

"But I think everybody is aware that until I get players out, I can't bring players in, and that's the way it is.

"We have to make sure those moves are concrete first, and that isn't easy.

"We can't just bring him (Johnson) in thinking things are going to happen."

If Laws can raise the necessary cash, Jewell is seemingly prepared to allow Johnson to leave on a permanent basis as he rebuilds his own squad following his arrival at the end of November.

"I've spoken to Johnno, and he is a terrific lad," said Jewell, also a former Wednesday manager.

"I've asked him to come in and do a job because at the moment we are thin on the ground, and he always does his best.

"But you could see from the reception he got from the Wednesday fans, and from the Derby fans, that he is well thought of.

"So I'm not closing the door - and if Wednesday want to give me £1.5million then we will do a deal!

"If we can sort something out, get one or two players in, then he could well be a Sheffield Wednesday player."

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