Wrexham are said to be keen on signing Leeds United's Patrick Bamford this summer, and the Red Dragons have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the 31-year-old striker
Isaac Schmidt, Jayden Bogle, Patrick Bamford, Junior Firpo and Karl Darlow of Leeds United
Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford (pictured centre) has been linked with a move to Wrexham
(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Wrexham could be given a leg up in their reported chase of Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford. The Welsh side, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are preparing for Championship football next season after achieving an incredible third consecutive promotion in April.
Wrexham have already been associated with a number of big names this summer as they aim to bolster their squad, including Leicester legend Jamie Vardy and Fulham captain Tom Cairney. Bamford is also said to be on the club's radar, and a favourable development has now arisen which could pave the way for the forward, who has one England cap to his name, to make the move to North Wales.
Leeds are keenly pursuing established Premier League strikers after earning promotion from the second tier last term. Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz is the top target for Daniel Farke's team, who had a bid totalling £32million rejected last week, according to the Standard.
While their initial attempt to sign the Brazilian was unsuccessful, it could signal the end of Bamford's stint at Elland Road in the long run, with a large influx of new players expected to join this summer. Leeds' huge offer sends a clear message that they want to sign an expensive new striker, and Reynolds and Wrexham will no doubt be licking their lips with any deal for a striker throwing more doubt on Bamford's future.
The 31-year-old has another year left on his contract, but could be permitted to leave after struggling with fitness last season. Bamford did not start a single game in the Championship, making 17 appearances off the bench without finding the back of the net.
However, his experience could be beneficial for Wrexham as they strive to establish their place in the second tier. The Red Dragons have already bolstered their attacking options by signing Plymouth's Ryan Hardie for an undisclosed fee during the close season.
Ryan Reynolds and Sam Smith
Wrexham, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are preparing for life in the Championship after gaining promotion from League One
Despite this, there might still be room for Bamford, especially with Wrexham's star player Paul Mullin departing the club on Monday to join Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan deal. More departures are anticipated as manager Phil Parkinson looks to rejig his forward line.
Wrexham's talent scout Les Reed recently shed light on the type of players the club is targeting this summer. In an interview with the i Paper, the former Charlton Athletic boss outlined Wrexham's strategy.
"In the Championship, they [new signings] will need to be athletic," Reed said. "It's not a final hurrah for players looking for one last stint before retirement. Our goal will be to lower the average age while remaining competitive.
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"We can't just say 'that's it, we're only targeting younger players'. A few clubs have tried that recently - and I won't name them - but it hasn't worked. It will be a blend."
Reed also clarified the reality of Wrexham's financial capabilities, adding: "We will have a decent budget. Everyone externally assumes we've got an unlimited budget because of our owners, but that's not the case. We'll have a good budget simply because we've got very good revenues.
"That's the benefit of the owners. It's not their deep pockets, it's their ability to generate higher revenues, which enables us to spend within the regulations and [offer] decent salaries."
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