Barnsley manager Neill Collins has indicated that they will not sell striker James Norwood, as Wrexham target the forward to replace the injured Paul Mullin.
Mullin is set for a long spell on the sidelines after he ruptured a lung in Wrexham’s friendly victory over Manchester United’s academy side, and Phil Parkinson will now need a replacement for his top scorer.
The 28-year-old scored 46 goals in 50 games last season, appearing in every match over the campaign, and he will be a huge loss for the Red Dragon.
Wrexham have identified Norwood as a potential replacement, but they may need to look elsewhere.
“Clubs want good players. He’s scored four goals in pre-season, he’s good at pressing,” Collins stated of his striker.
“If you’re at a club no one wants your players, you are in big trouble. A lot of people want our players but thankfully we’re in a position to control who gets to leave. If anything, we have just got to add to them.”
Who could Wrexham target?
Norwood scored 11 times in League One last season, and has proven himself as a good goalscorer at League Two level, with 29 strikes in 42 appearances in his career.
Collins has indicated that a deal could be difficult to do for the 32-year-old, and an alternative solution may need to be found.
Negotiating with other clubs for their attackers may not be the best strategy for Wrexham to find another attacking option, and a loan or a free agent may need to be considered.
The likes of Connor Wickham and Jonathan Kodjia are currently unattached and could be tempted to join Wrexham’s ambitious project, even on a short-term deal whilst Mullin recovers.
Wrexham are aiming for a second promotion in a row, but they will struggle to achieve this goal without a reliable goalscorer in the team whilst Mullin is absent.