Wrexham are yet to make a new signing in this January transfer window but Phil Parkinson’s first deal of the month could be close.
Wrexham’s full focus will be on Thursday night as Birmingham City arrive at the STōK Cae Ras.
Last week’s defeat at Shrewsbury Town means Wrexham really need to hit back at least with an improved performance.
Phil Parkinson will have been preparing his squad for a difficult game but may have some hope of having a new face involved.
Reports on Tuesday suggested that Wrexham are closing in on signing Ryan Longman from Hull City.
There were suggestions that Longman’s planned medical with Oxford United would still go ahead though, leaving Wrexham with some work to do.
Oxford United boss on Ryan Longman
Wrexham will hope to get Longman over the line and potentially involved against Birmingham.
The reports suggested that Wrexham had outbid Oxford with a £500,000 move for Longman.
Unsurprisingly, Oxford boss Gary Rowett was asked about the Longman situation following their 3-2 home win over Luton Town.
Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Rowett admitted his interest in Longman having worked with him at Millwall last season.
Rowett talked up Longman’s ‘obvious qualities’ and stated that Oxford were ‘certainly interested’ in a deal.
Rowett then added that he now doesn’t believe that Longman will be joining Oxford as he responded to claims about a Wrexham hijack.
Longman to Oxford is seemingly off the table, at least in Rowett’s mind, and that again points towards Wrexham winning the race.
“He’s a player I’ve worked with before, I think he’s got obvious qualities,” said Rowett.
“He’s a player we were certainly interested in but I don’t expect us to do that deal and sign that player,” he added.
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Wrexham will relish Longman’s versatility
Longman could reunite with George Dobson and Ollie Palmer at Wrexham having played together at AFC Wimbledon.
The 24-year-old could be a vital addition for Wrexham and his versatility is the main appeal here.
Longman has played 42 games as a right winger, the most of any position, notching eight goals and four assists in that role.
The second most-common position for Longman has been as a striker, playing 40 games there according to Transfermarkt.
Look down the list and Longman has played as a left wing, left wing back, right wing back and even as an attacking midfielder on just a few occasions.
Longman has been moved all over the pitch in his career and Parkinson may well see him as a Swiss Army knife in that he can be a threat in so many different roles.
Wrexham were actually keen on Longman over the summer and may now be on the verge of landing him at last.