Pundit Carlton Palmer believes Stockport County could have an advantage over Wrexham in the race to sign Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley.
The Wrexham Insider claimed last week that they had been informed by journalist Graham Bailey that the two League One promotion hopefuls were targeting a move for Wheatley in January.
Both sides are looking to bolster their forward lines in the upcoming transfer window, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to secure a deal for Wheatley, with United yet to decide whether to allow the 18-year-old to leave on loan.
Wheatley made his senior debut for the Red Devils as a substitute in their 4-2 win over Sheffield United last season, and he went on to make two further appearances under Erik ten Hag in the closing stages of the campaign.
The striker has featured just once for United in the EFL Cup this season, but it has still been a positive few months for him as he made his debut for the England Under-19s in September in their 2-2 draw against Italy.
As they target a third consecutive promotion, Wrexham currently sit second in the League One table, level on points with leaders Wycombe Wanderers, while Stockport are fifth, seven points behind the Red Dragons.
League One table (as it stands 9th December)
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Carlton Palmer on Ethan Wheatley transfer battle
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Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said that while the opportunity to join Wrexham's exciting project would be tempting for Wheatley, Stockport could be a more attractive destination for him due to their geographical location.
"Wrexham and Stockport are believed to be going head-to-head in a bid to sign Man United's younger centre-forward Ethan Wheatley in the January transfer window," Palmer said.
"Wrexham currently sit second in the League One table on 40 points and they are going for another promotion.
"Stockport currently sit fifth on 33 points, seven points behind Wrexham and Wycombe Wanderers.
"It's going to be interesting, Stockport might have an edge in signing Wheatley because he's from the area, but given that Wrexham are seven points clear of them, he might look to go to Wrexham.
"I think Wrexham would have the financial clout to attract him to come to the football club.
"Of course, Stockport will be conscious that there are rumours about Aston Villa recalling Louie Barry, who has been making all the headlines, so therefore Dave Challinor will be exploring other options.
"I think it would be very hard if they recalled Barry, they sent him out on loan, he's doing well at Stockport, leave him where he is until the end of the season.
"Wheatley is a young player, and Wrexham and Stockport both know they need goals to get them over the line in a very strong and competitive division.
"The plan at Wrexham and the excitement under the owners is going to be very appealing, but Challinor has done a good job at Stockport and that could be appealing.
"It's hard to say which one would be more attractive, but there would obviously be less travel if he goes to Stockport than going down to Wrexham."
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Given that Wheatley was born in Stockport, Palmer is right that they could have an advantage in the race for his signature.
With speculation building that Aston Villa could recall Louie Barry, who has scored 15 goals in 20 games this season, from his loan spell at Edgeley Park in January, the Hatters may need to enter the transfer market for attacking reinforcements.
Should Barry depart, Stockport would lose a significant number of goals from their team, so Wheatley would be a useful addition for Dave Challinor's side, and the striker could receive plenty of game time.
Wrexham may have a better chance of achieving promotion from League One this season, but Wheatley would face competition for places from the likes of Ollie Palmer, Paul Mullin and Steven Fletcher, so he would not be guaranteed as many minutes at the SToK Cae Ras.