Wrexham are in the market for a new striker in the January transfer window but Phil Parkinson may need to take another look at Sam Dalby.
Wrexham sit third in the League One table and are right in the promotion mix despite losing at Barnsley on New Year’s Day.
Phil Parkinson will look to get back on track at Peterborough United but many fans are looking for potential signings this month.
The January transfer window is now open and Wrexham want to sign another striker according to recent reports.
Plymouth Argyle’s Ryan Hardie has been linked with Wrexham this week but he is just one of a number of names mentioned.
Phil Parkinson decision on Sam Dalby looms
One man who has put himself right into the picture for Wrexham is Sam Dalby.
Dalby was loaned to Dundee United on deadline day and has been on fire during his time at Tannadice.
Dalby scored the winner for Dundee United in their big derby class against Dundee on Thursday evening, sparking wild scenes with his late goal.
That is now 10 goals in 17 league games for Dundee United this season with Dalby the leading goalscorer in Scotland’s top flight.
Wrexham can recall Dalby in January if Parkinson so desires, but he was surplus to requirements just a few months ago.
Parkinson must weigh up whether he genuinely believes that Dalby can make an impact in League One given that his contract expires this summer.
Speaking on Sky Sports (02/01, 17:40), commentator Gary Weaver suggested that Wrexham’s decision on Dalby may not be far away.
Weaver noted that Parkinson will wait until after the EFL Trophy clash with Port Vale on Tuesday evening before making a call on Dalby.
“In terms of Sam Dalby, the January window is open and he could be recalled by Wrexham,” said Weaver.
“Phil Parkinson and Wrexham won’t make that decision until after their game on the 7th of January but he is in the final year of his contract at Wrexham, so if Wrexham do want money for him, then the chances are they would have to recall him and sell him then if bids are coming or do they offer him a new deal off the back of what he has done at Tannadice in a Dundee United shirt?” he added.
Sam Dalby praised by ex-Premier League ace
Dalby has really made the most of this loan move and finds himself more in demand than he was a few months ago.
Former Everton ace James McFadden shared his admiration for Dalby when asked by Weaver for his thoughts.
The pundit told Sky Sports that he thinks Dalby is all about goals and whilst his hold-up play is strong, he is a pure penalty box player.
McFadden added that Dalby is a ‘huge goal threat’ and he proved that once again with his predatory winner against Dundee.
“Goals – he scores goals,” said McFadden.
“If you supply him and get balls into the box, he is a striker that is all about goals.
“His hold-up play is very good but if Dundee United can get into the wide areas and deliver from anywhere, he will make sure he’s in between the sticks and he’s a huge goal threat,” he added.
Parkinson has hinted at bringing loan players back to Wrexham and Dalby will be the prime candidate based on his goalscoring form.
Much will depend on Wrexham’s own progress in the transfer market but we would still be surprised to see Dalby return, especially as he can’t be sold elsewhere having already played for two clubs this season.