Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
Wrexham and Stockport County are, reportedly, set to battle it out to sign Manchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley on loan during the January transfer window.
The two League One clubs have been battling it out ever since recent days in the National League - with a rivalry organically being built over time. The Hatters have often had the better of their outings - getting promoted out of the National League first and winning the League Two title ahead of the Red Dragons last season.
However, Wrexham are reportedly keen not to lose out to Dave Challinor's outfit - once again - when it comes to Wheatley. According to The Wrexham Insider, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's club are looking to strengthen their attack in January as they look to continue their push towards promotion to the Championship.
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Wrexham are currently second in the third tier behind leaders Wycombe Wanderers, with Stockport in fifth and now seven points behind the Welsh outfit. However, County may feel they have an advantage in their pursuit of Wheatley considering the centre-forward was born in their town.
Locality could be the difference in the battle for Wheatley, who is highly regarded at United. The 18-year-old has been an unused substitute five times in the Premier League this season and twice in the Europa League.
He currently has four first-team appearances to his name, with the latest coming in a brief cameo under Ruud van Nistelrooy in the Carabao Cup against Leicester City. Wheatley has been keeping his eye in for the U21s this season, scoring five goals in seven matches in Premier League 2.
The transfer window will open on New Year's Day, before then closing again on February 3.