Wrexham should seal the transfer of a Championship ‘leader’ after completing the signing of Lewis Brunt.
Wrexham’s transfer window is in full swing now after making their second signing of the summer on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was the first player to arrive through the door, to the delight of everyone at the club, while centre-back Lewis Brunt joined from Leicester City.
Brunt was reportedly Mansfield’s ‘number one target’ after excelling at the Stags on loan last term, and although they claimed promotion just behind Wrexham, the young defender has instead joined Phil Parkinson’s squad.
The 23-year-old is a solid addition to Parkinson’s defensive roster, although there is another player in a similar position who Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney should sign.
Wrexham must complete the move for Millwall’s Wes Harding
Wrexham are keen to land defender Wes Harding on a permanent transfer from Millwall.
Harding is the second player from South London that Parkinson is interested in, following links to Welsh striker Tom Bradshaw.
The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Den, and whilst they’re reluctant to let him leave before signings have been made, he’s a signature Wrexham need to secure.
Harding is supremely experienced at Championship level having made 164 appearances previously and would add leadership and versatility to Parkinson’s defensive ranks.
Dubbed a ‘leader’ by Adam Barrett, the Jamaican international can operate as a centre-back, right-back or right-back, underlying his importance across various systems.
The experienced defender has recently been involved at Copa America this summer and started in a 3-0 defeat to Venezuela earlier this week as Jamaica crashed out of the tournament.
Wes Harding would be a rival for Max Cleworth
Harding played predominantly as a right centre-back for Millwall last term across 24 Championship appearances for the Lions.
This is a role that suits him well as he can comfortably bring the ball out from defence and tuck in to cover for the right wing-back.
In Wrexham’s 5-3-2 system, he would be perfect as the 2-cap Jamaican international would provide excellent cover for Max Cleworth, while rivalling him for a place in the starting XI.
Cleworth, although a supremely talented ball-playing defender, is currently untested at League One level and having someone like Harding could be beneficial for his development.
Harding has played regularly in the Championship and the Wrexham youngster can use that as motivation to reach his performance levels.
More importantly, it also resolves the lack of cover down the right, with the former Rotherham United player capable of filling in at wing-back if needed, offering further competition for Luke Bolton and Ryan Barnett.
Brunt was a smart addition as he’s someone with massive potential, while Harding is guaranteed to be a signing that would inspire a promotion push.