Wrexham are yet to name the final player in their 25-man squad for the Championship campaign.
Phil Parkinson announced his Wrexham squad with a place up for grabs given the long-term injuries to the likes of Danny Ward and Jay Rodriguez.
However, Ollie Rathbone is set to join Wrexham’s squad list after recovering from an ankle a little ahead of an initial prognosis for the midfielder.
It is excellent news for Wrexham fans that last season’s player of the year is close to a return but it does mean that transfer interest in a former England midfielder is now expected to dwindle.
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Ollie Rathbone injury return surely ends Wrexham interest in Dele Alli
Wrexham are interested in Dele Alli after the former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder was released by Italian side Como.
With only 24 players named in Parkinson’s squad, there was a chance that Alli could become the 25th member on a free transfer.
Parkinson has signed players after the deadline in the past to great effect, Matty James and Steven Fletcher both made huge impacts on promotion campaigns.
However, with Rathbone returning from injury early, he will now become the 25th member of the squad and plays in a similar position to Alli.
Championship rivals Swansea City and Birmingham City are also interested in the 29-year-old but a move to the Racecourse Ground now looks out of the picture.
Ollie Rathbone a better option for Wrexham than Dele Alli
Whilst there is no doubting the quality and pedigree of Alli, Wrexham will make the right decision by choosing Rathbone as the final member of their squad.
Alli has struggled to rekindle his sensational form, whilst Rathbone will be hungrier than ever to prove himself at Championship level following his pre-season injury.
Rathbone played the best football of his career at Wrexham last season and was a key reason behind an incredible third successive promotion.
Wrexham have missed his drive and energy in midfield and he will be welcomed back with open arms by Parkinson to give him further options moving forward.