Sheffield Wednesday's academy manager, Sean McAuley, flies to the USA today as he looks to strengthen the club's links with professional clubs in North America.

McAuley is set to visit Major League Soccer clubs San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders as well as the Portland Timbers, who are set to become and MLS franchise in two years time.

The 12-day trip is aimed at building the Owls' already strong links across 'The Pond' with an official partnership already in place with FC Victoria in western Canada.

McAuley will take a close look at the considerable pool of talent on show in the USA and investigate opportunities which will benefit both Sheffield Wednesday and the clubs in America.

"We know the clubs in America have very professional set-ups and I am delighted that they have agreed to meet with me so that we can share our philosophies on football," McAuley said.

"I am looking forward to meeting with the representatives of the clubs because I know they can communicate some interesting concepts of good practise in football. The clubs in the USA are run in a very professional way but I anticipate that we can work with them to enhance what they are doing as well."

McAuley will visit the San Jose Earthquakes in California on April 9 before giving a coaching clinic in the Golden State. He will then fly north to watch the Seattle Sounders play the Kansas City Wizards on April 11 ahead of meetings with the Sounders' representatives, concluding his US trip with the Portland Timbers.

"I will also investigate the possibilities of bringing American youngsters into the Sheffield Wednesday academy system," McAuley added. "The USA is a huge market in football terms but we have to ensure that players are eligible before we make any commitments.

"On the whole though it is very healthy if Sheffield Wednesday can have strong relationships with clubs in North America and I expect that we will be able to establish a number of mutual benefits."