Wrexham are expected to confirm the signing of a player praised by Declan Rice on deadline day.
The Red Dragons have had a very busy summer transfer window, but more deals should be completed in the final 12 hours of the window.
Wrexham have made 10 signings this summer so far, but deal number 11 looks to be all but wrapped up.
Phil Parkinson’s side are close to signing Ben Sheaf from Coventry City in a deal thought to be worth £6.5m, according to reports that emerged on Sunday.
Ryan Reynolds has already followed the player on Instagram, suggesting that a move is now very likely.
Incoming Wrexham signing Ben Sheaf praised by Declan Rice
The 27-year-old has excelled in the Championship with Coventry after getting his break in Arsenal’s youth ranks.
Arsene Wenger was a huge fan of Sheaf, previously saying: “He’s always ahead of the game, and his anticipation quality is absolutely huge.
“He has that kind of mental strength as well. A typical British way of handling things, facing the difficulties with a very cool and intelligent way. There is something in him that I believe will allow him to progress always.
“Because he analyses well what’s happening to him, he assesses well what is going on, and that’s why I believe he will have a good career.”
But Wenger is not the only Arsenal figure to have shown his admiration for the incoming Wrexham signing.
Back in April 2024, Sheaf’s Coventry faced Manchester United in the semi-final of the FA Cup.
The Red Devils were 3-0 up before the second-tier side pulled the game back on level terms, taking it to extra time and then penalties.
The Sky Blues lost the shootout but Sheaf still earned praise from Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice post-match.
Taking to the comment section of the player’s Instagram post after the Man Utd defeat, Rice wrote: “Too composed you”.
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Ben Sheaf injury record
The defensive midfielder looks set to be a great addition to Parkinson’s side as they look to climb up the Championship table.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 13 |  SouthamptonSouthampton | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 5 |
| 14 |  WatfordWatford | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 15 |  WrexhamWrexham | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| 16 |  CharltonCharlton | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| 17 |  Hull CityHull City | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | -4 | 4 |
One concern Wrexham may have, however, is Sheaf’s injury record over the last several years.
| Season | Injury | Days out | Games missed |
| 24/25 | Calf injury | 45 days | 9 |
| 24/25 | Ankle injury | 49 days | 8 |
| 23/24 | Torn thigh muscle | 35 days | 9 |
| 23/24 | Groin strain | 36 days | 6 |
| 22/23 | Calf strain | 43 days | 9 |
| 20/21 | Hip injury | 31 days | 8 |
Wrexham have suffered from injury issues early in the campaign, seeing the likes of Josh Windass, Nathan Broadhead and Jay Rodriguez missing out.