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Phil Parkinson shares Wrexham transfer update as two targets ‘closest’ to signing face delays

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Wrexham have completed two signings so far this summer, but boss Phil Parkinson is keen to add more, even while away in Australia.

Wrexham have been busy back at home this week.

Ancestry have been announced as a new sponsor, and Wrexham’s new home shirt was released on Wednesday.

Pre-season preparations have taken full focus for Phil Parkinson, though, as he works with his players in Australia.

Parkinson’s squad features just two new faces, with summer signings Danny Ward and Ryan Hardie named in the travelling group.

The Wrexham boss may have wanted a few more deals done before jetting off to the pre-season tour of Australia, but deals are still in the pipeline.

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson looks on against Barrow.
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Phil Parkinson shares Wrexham transfer update

Parkinson suggested signings could travel out to Australia and join the Wrexham squad if done quickly.

No deals appear to be imminent as things stand, but Parkinson is hopeful of having new signings in place soon.

Speaking to ESPN, Parkinson admitted his ongoing attempts to improve the Wrexham squad with new signings.

Parkinson claims many players are keen to sign for Wrexham, but actually agreeing deals with their clubs is proving tricky.

The Wrexham boss even added that two targets who are ‘closest’ to signing for Wrexham are actually away with their clubs right now, bringing ‘slight complications’ to Wrexham’s pursuit.

Parkinson added that he was up until 3am in Australia attempting to push for new signings, determined to ensure Wrexham don’t get left behind while staff are abroad.

“We’re looking to improve that before the season starts, certainly before the transfer window closes. That’s ongoing,” said Parkinson when discussing his squad.

“We’re having several meetings. What you see today on the training pitch, there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes. It’s never easy getting players. Even though a lot of players want to come to play for Wrexham, prying good players away from clubs who don’t want to sell them is never easy. But we’re trying our best.

“There’s a possibility of [signings flying into Australia], but a couple of the ones that I’d say are the closest are both away with their particular clubs at the moment. So there are slight complications.

“But when you’re looking to sign players who are at clubs, you know they’re training, they’re doing preseason, so as much as you want to get them integrated into your group, you know the fitness element will be there anyway.”

“This morning, I was probably on the phone until about three o’clock. Going through, speaking to agents, catching up with a few players we’ve been speaking to. It’s crucial. What we don’t want to do with this trip is have the time difference impact on the recruitment. We’re working hard to make sure that doesn’t happen,” he added.

Latest Wrexham transfer rumours

This week’s rumour mill has actually been dominated by a couple of players away from the UK.

Reports in Italy suggest that Wrexham are keen on Liberato Cacace, with the Empoli left back expected to leave after relegation from Serie A.

Empoli want around £3.5million for Cacace, and the New Zealand international represents an exciting target for Wrexham.

Dutch reports added that Wrexham are interested in NEC’s Sontje Hansen, who is also on Middlesbrough’s radar.

Ajax are also keen on Hansen, though, with the winger catching the eye in the Eredivisie last season.

Closer to home, Wrexham continue to chase Lewis O’Brien, though a deal for the Nottingham Forest misfit is not easy.

Reports suggested that Wrexham had put together an acceptable package to sign O’Brien from Forest, though wages could yet be a problem.

Parkinson is bound to have some mystery targets up his sleeve as well.

Cast your minds back to last summer, and deals for the likes of Callum Burton, Lewis Brunt, Sebastian Revan and Ollie Rathbone were done without much speculation beforehand.

That may become a little trickier with more and more agents sharing information with the media at Championship level, but Parkinson will be confident of having new signings on board well in advance of the Championship kick-off.