Wrexham weren’t able to make the perfect start to their Championship campaign as they fell to a last-gasp defeat at the hands of Southampton.
The Red Dragons were 1-0 up and good value for their lead, but a stunning Ryan Manning free-kick and a back-post finish from Jack Stephens ensured the Saints sent Phil Parkinson’s side back to North Wales with nothing to show for the efforts.
wrexham, Wrexham keen as Championship trio eye reunion swoop for Manchester City ace
Image courtesy of: JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS.
Nonetheless, Parkinson will take encouragement from the display, though the need for stronger depth has been heightened. It means more new signings lay ahead, and a fresh name has appeared on the club’s transfer radar.
According to a report from Football League World, Wrexham are among the clubs interested in Manchester City defender Callum Doyle.
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The Athletic has reported that the Premier League side are willing to let the left-sided defender leave, potentially in a loan with an obligation deal. That would come in at £10m, and it has prompted Championship interest.
Football League World says that while Wrexham are keen, Doyle’s former loan clubs Leicester City, Coventry City and Norwich City are all lurking as well.
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Callum Doyle would be the most impressive of eye-catching Wrexham signings
Wrexham haven’t been afraid to make their presence known in the transfer market this summer. As expected, they have backed Parkinson with statement additions once again, but Doyle would perhaps be the pick of the bunch.
Wrexham’s summer signings
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Still only 21, Doyle has now spent four loans in the EFL away from Manchester City. After impressing in League One with Sunderland, he earned a first step up to the Championship at Coventry City.
His strong form there earned a move to Leicester City the following summer, and he performed well in a slightly different role at left-back there. That has since become Doyle’s most regular position, though he is still well suited to a role at left-sided centre-back too.
wrexham, Wrexham keen as Championship trio eye reunion swoop for Manchester City ace
Image courtesy of: ISABEL INFANTES/REUTERS.
The Wrexham target’s Norwich City stint was arguably his most impressive though, notching a goal and seven assists in 43 games as he edged towards 100 Championship appearances – he now sits on 98.
Familiar surroundings or a fresh start for Doyle?
Reunion transfers are not a rarity in football, especially with clubs swooping to bring former loan stars back. They can have varying levels of success, with players developing their game and reaching new standards or struggling to live up to their previous best.
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In Doyle’s case, he would be expected to kick on and reach new heights as a promising young player with an impressive level of senior experience.
However, there is a chance this next loan ends in a permanent move, so Doyle will have to decide if he wants to take on a new challenge with Wrexham, or head back to familiar surroundings with one of Leicester City, Coventry City or Norwich City.
One thing for sure is that the Manchester City youngsters situation will be one to watch over the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
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