Wrexham could sign a former Premier League striker on a free transfer to bolster their forward options.
Phil Parkinson completed all seven of his Wrexham signings before the 2024/25 season kicked off, as he sought to get most of his business done early.
The Reds have since recorded two victories and a draw from their opening three games, which represents a solid start to life back in League One.
Some of their new signings have looked impressive in these fixtures too, namely goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defensive midfielder George Dobson and wing-back Sebastian Revan.
But, supporters will be questioning whether any more business will be done before Friday’s deadline. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are used to throwing up surprises however, Parkinson has admitted he’ll only sign a player if they’re the right fit for the football club.
Wrexham’s main priority in the last few weeks has been signing a striker, and while none of their attempts have come to fruition, there is one free agent McElhenney and Reynolds could make a last-gasp swoop for.
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Wrexham could make a late swoop for free-agent striker Dwight Gayle
Wrexham placed several strikers on their shortlist this summer but they’ve had no luck in landing any of them, and that will have frustrated Parkinson.
Luckily, all is not lost in their pursuit of a League One-ready forward, with Dwight Gayle available to snap up on a free transfer.
Gayle joined Derby on a short-term contract in February but was released this summer after the Rams won promotion to the Championship.
The 34-year-old’s short spell at Pride Park was a frustrating one as he spent most of it out injured, though when he did play, he fired three goals in six appearances.
Gayle proved that he can still provide a regular stream of goals in the third tier and if snapped up, he could be a handy weapon for Parkinson to unleash on a short-term contract.
Previously dubbed ‘tremendous’ by Newcastle icon Alan Shearer, the veteran forward was named in the PFA pre-season squad of free agents to play against Cambridge United behind closed doors on Tuesday.
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Dwight Gayle’s goal record is worth taking a punt on
Wrexham were most recently looking at Michael Smith from Sheffield Wednesday as a striking option. He’s a proven scorer at League One level but so is Gayle, and snapping him up would be a solid signing.
If he can avoid further injuries and place himself in contention, the former Newcastle striker would be a great weapon to bring off the bench and certainly an improvement on the likes of Sam Dalby and Jake Bickerstaff.
Gayle once fired 23 goals in 32 Championship appearances to fire the Magpies to promotion in 2016/17. Whilst at West Brom in 2018/19, he hit the same total in 39 appearances.
When at the peak of his powers, he was a top-end second-tier striker but now, providing he stays fit, he could fire at least double figures for Wrexham this season.
That contribution could be all-important come the end of May as last term, only Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee hit double figures, with Gayle capable of reaching similar levels.