A talented striker Phil Parkinson wanted to sign for Wrexham in January is now being eyed by League One rivals Wigan Athletic.
Wrexham have pulled off two impressive acquisitions to kick-start their summer transfer window.
Arthur Okonkwo, arguably their most important signing, arrived on a free transfer following his release from Arsenal while Lewis Brunt was announced as a capture from Leicester City on Tuesday.
Phil Parkinson has now plugged gaps at goalkeeper and in defence; Okonkwo is first-choice following last season’s heroics and Brunt will add competition at the back as a ball-playing defender.
There are still other pressing issues that Parkinson must resolve, though, including a new left-back to rival Jacob Mendy, depth in midfield and a clinical striker to partner Paul Mullin.
For the latter position, Wrexham have been linked to several names however, one that caught their eye in January is now wanted by Wigan Athletic.
Wigan Athletic want former Wrexham target Ronan Hale
In January, reports suggested Wrexham wanted to sign Cliftonville attacker Ronan Hale alongside five other clubs in the EFL.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a prolific campaign, racking up an impressive 21 goals and eight assists in all competitions, including 13 strikes alone in the Irish Premiership.
Dubbed “exceptional” for his incredible scoring touch, Hale was tipped to land a Championship move by former Cliftonville boss Marty Quinn, which speaks volumes of the striker’s talents.
Despite the hype surrounding his name, the Birmingham City academy graduate continues to ply his trade in Northern Ireland, although that could be about to change this summer.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, Scottish side Ross County came in with an offer for Hale but it was instantly rejected as Cliftonville’s chairman Kieran Harding claimed it fell significantly short of their valuation.
The report also states that multiple League One sides have courted the striker, listing Wigan as the latest club to show an interest.
Wrexham should go back in for Ronan Hale
Wrexham’s pulling power is currently bigger than most clubs in the third tier as they’re able to use Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds as a tools to attract players.
The Reds have shown interest in multiple forwards recently and as reported in the last few days, Millwall’s Tom Bradshaw and Hull City’s Ryan Longman have popped onto their radar.
Due to his prolific rate of scoring, producing 50 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances for Cliftonville, Hale could be the lethal striker Wrexham need to play alongside Mullin.
Parkinson currently has Steven Fletcher and Ollie Palmer as realistic options to partner the 29-year-old, although he does need a long-term replacement for that ageing duo.
Wrexham should therefore follow League One rivals Wigan in keeping tabs on the Belfast-born striker, who continues to make a name for himself in Northern Ireland.