Wrexham are ready to make moves in the transfer market this summer and may even battle Championship clubs for some signings.
Throughout the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era, Wrexham have been able to tempt players down to the STōK Cae Ras.
Some players have dropped down the leagues in order to join the Wrexham journey with Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Elliot Lee serving as perfect examples.
Wrexham have consistently managed to sign players from higher in the EFL system and that is what makes the promotion to League One so exciting.
If Wrexham were tempting League One players to the National League, what on earth could Phil Parkinson and co achieve this summer?
Nobody is really expecting established Premier League players to arrive but Wrexham may well be able to tempt Championship players away – or even beat Championship clubs to signings.
Preston North End back away from Wrexham target Marc Leonard
Wrexham’s pulling power is clear; rival fans may want to play it down or mock it, but it’s certainly a factor.
Wigan Athletic defender Jason Kerr may have chosen not to join Wrexham this summer but another Scot could yet arrive.
Wrexham are chasing Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard with a £300,000 move being targeted.
Leonard has spent the last two seasons on loan at Northampton Town, impressing in both League One and League Two.
The 21-year-old will now return to Brighton this summer but the expectation is that he will move on permanently.
Wrexham are right in the mix for Leonard’s signature but one potential rival can now be ruled out.
The Lancashire Evening Post report that Preston North End have now backed away from a deal for Leonard.
It’s stated that PNE did hold talks over a permanent deal for Leonard but the move has broken down over wages.
Leonard’s demands are unclear but it seems that North End weren’t keen on whatever they were, seemingly ruling out a move to Deepdale.
PNE stance highlights Wrexham challenge
Wrexham already knew there would be Championship competition.
Newly-promoted Oxford United also want Leonard and could offer him a move to the Kassam Stadium.
Battling Oxford is one thing, but PNE are about as established as it comes when talking about solid Championship clubs.
Since promotion to the second tier in 2000, North End have spent just four seasons outside of the Championship.
Ryan Lowe’s side haven’t even finished lower than 14th in the Championship since returning to the level in 2015.
That they aren’t on board with Leonard’s wage demands just highlights the challenge Wrexham face, not just in terms of battling Championship clubs but also meeting the demands of new targets.
Maybe Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds will come up with the cash to tempt Leonard into a move, with PNE backing away presenting both a boost and a potential problem for Wrexham.
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