Wrexham are in the market for a new centre-back this summer.
After watching Ben Tozer, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Aaron Hayden depart Wrexham, strengthening in defence is now a priority for Phil Parkinson.
The Reds will need plenty of depth as they embark on their new chapter in League One, with plenty of quality available in the free transfer market to add to their strong defence.
Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell and Tom O’Connor is a trio that can hold their own in the third tier however, there are a few other names that Parkinson should look at.
Here are five League One-ready defenders who Wrexham can sign for nothing, right now…
Jordan Williams
Jordan Williams was one of many players to depart Barnsley upon the expiry of his contract at Oakwell but the pacey right-sided defender is a great option.
The 24-year-old featured in all 46 games for the Tykes last term as they finished in the play-offs, losing in the semi-final against Bolton Wanderers.
The former England under-18 international has amassed over a century of appearances in League One and can also play as a right wing-back, so Parkinson could kill two birds with one stone by landing Williams.
Marvin Ekpiteta
Wrexham were linked with a move for recently released Blackpool centre-back Marvin Ekpiteta and although interest has since cooled, the 28-year-old is an option they should explore.
Ekpiteta made 143 appearances for the Tangerines, including 59 in League One, before leaving Bloomfield Road this summer.
A powerful and no-nonsense defender, who is blessed with real strength and aerial ability, signing the “outstanding” Englishman would seriously beef up their options at the back.
Josh Knight
This is the most ambitious move of the five listed however, Wrexham should try to tempt Peterborough defender Josh Knight this summer.
He’s currently in a standoff over a new deal at the club and for as long as his future goes unresolved, the better chance Parkinson has of signing him.
A product of the Leicester City academy, the 26-year-old played a crucial role in Darren Ferguson’s defence last term as they finished in the top six.
Knight is great with the ball at his feet and in 43 games, he scored five goals, so he would add a presence at both ends of the pitch. If the talented defender is available for nothing this summer, snapping him up is a no-brainer.
Dominic Iorfa
Sheffield Wednesday are currently holding talks with Dominic Iorfa over a new contract but with his deal expiring at the end of this month, time is running out.
Iorfa played 28 times for the Owls last term as German tactician Danny Rohl pulled off a survival miracle.
Similarly to Williams, the former England under-21 international is blessed with blistering pace and can operate on the right of a back three or as a right wing-back. Teammate Barry Bannan has even labelled him a ‘man mountain’.
It would take some persuading from Parkinson to get him to drop back down to League One but Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have a habit of doing that, and Iorfa would be an excellent pickup.
Charlie Goode
Brentford confirmed that centre-back Charlie Goode would be leaving the club at the end of June, leaving him free to join another club.
The Englishman should attract interest from several Championship and League One sides after spending the second half of the season on loan at Wigan Athletic.
Goode hasn’t played much football in recent years and has been frozen out at Brentford, though his best years came in the third tier, appearing 77 times.
He could continue his love affair with League One by signing for Wrexham this summer.