Wrexham look set to splash the cash on Liberato Cacace, but Phil Parkinson will still have his eyes on the free agent market.
Reports in April suggested that Wrexham would splash the cash in the summer transfer market.
It’s taken a while, but Wrexham now appear to be on the verge of a new club-record signing.
Italian reports claim that Empoli defender Liberato Cacace is set to join Wrexham in a deal worth £2.2million, potentially rising to £2.6million.
That fee eclipses the price paid for Sam Smith in January, with Wrexham ready to welcome the New Zealand international in a significant move.
Wrexham fans can certainly feel excited about Cacace’s move, but Phil Parkinson has also been eyeing free agents.
Some are starting to move on now; Aaron Cresswell has joined Stoke City, and Danny Ings is set to sign for Middlesbrough.
Pre-season is well underway now, and players without a club are starting to get fixed up ahead of the new season.
Some Wrexham targets are still free agents, though, and will be looking for clubs ahead of the Championship campaign kicking off in August…
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Craig Dawson
Released by Wolverhampton Wanderers, Craig Dawson is available on a free transfer this summer.
Wrexham have spoken to Dawson about a potential move to the STōK Cae Ras, but rumours around his future have quietened of late.
Birmingham City have also looked at Dawson, but the 35-year-old is still without a club as things stand.
Wrexham already have Eoghan O’Connell and Dan Scarr as options in the heart of defence, but Parkinson could value Dawson’s experience ahead of a long Championship campaign.
Barry Bannan
Another experienced head, Barry Bannan is out of contract after his Sheffield Wednesday deal ended in June.
Wednesday would surely love to keep Bannan, with the Scot an absolute hero at Hillsborough after almost 450 appearances.
The Owls have gone through major financial issues of late, though, and transfer restrictions are still hanging over the club.
Wrexham target Bannan may be waiting for Wednesday’s situation to be resolved, but Parkinson will have one eye on his situation – especially after Tom Cairney decided to stay at Fulham.
Stuart Armstrong
Another experienced Scottish midfielder, Stuart Armstrong was released by Wednesday at the end of last season.
The 33-year-old joined Wednesday in January, but seemingly didn’t do enough to earn a new deal.
Wrexham have considered a move for Armstrong as Parkinson looks to add quality in midfield.
Wednesday still have some hopes of re-signing Armstrong, but the former Celtic man will want to find a new club quickly.
Tom Lawrence
Reports of Wrexham’s interest in Tom Lawrence first emerged before promotion to the Championship had even been secured.
Rangers have released Lawrence, and Wrexham have been eyeing up an emotional move for the playmaker.
Lawrence hails from Wrexham and could now play a role in the rise under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
Other clubs are interested, but Lawrence is attracted to Wrexham and could make an emotional homecoming – but Parkinson will surely look for a deal to be done quickly if it is going to happen at all, with the Championship season now just a few weeks away.