Wrexham are looking to secure the signature of Swansea City defender Harry Darling, but new competition from Rangers provides a major battle.
Wrexham fans are waiting for lift-off in this summer transfer window as Phil Parkinson eyes new signings.
Defenders have been linked with moves to the STōK Cae Ras, with a couple of experienced heads targeted on the left side of Parkinson’s back three.
Wrexham remain keen on Ben Davies despite Tottenham Hotspur activating a one-year option on his contract.
Aaron Cresswell is also on Wrexham’s wish list, but Parkinson is looking for options in the heart of defence as well.
Wrexham fancy signing Craig Dawson after his Wolverhampton Wanderers exit, but Swansea City’s Harry Darling is another name to watch.
Wrexham face Rangers battle for Harry Darling
Reports in May suggested Wrexham are keen to sign Darling as his Swansea contract runs down, rivalling Birmingham City in the race.
Swansea have attempted to keep Darling, but the closer we get to his contract expiring, the more likely he is to move on – even with director of football Richard Montague branding Darling ‘exceptional’ when speaking to BBC Sport.
Wrexham are far from alone in the race for Darling, who has become a top Championship defender during his time in South Wales.
Norwich City are eyeing Darling, and Rangers are now exploring a deal according to the Daily Mail.
This is a major threat to Wrexham’s hopes, given that Russell Martin has taken charge at Ibrox.
Martin has been a key figure in Darling’s career to date, signing him for Milton Keynes Dons back in 2021.
When the time came for Darling to move on and play Championship football, he followed Martin to Swansea.
Now seemingly set to leave Swansea on a free transfer, Darling is again wanted by Martin.
Rangers will always have major appeal in the transfer market and that personal connection between Darling and Martin makes a move to Ibrox even more enticing.
Joining this Wrexham project under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds is exciting in itself, but Rangers entering the race for Darling could be a problem.
Champions League football on offer at Rangers
We also cannot overlook the prospect of Champions League football at Ibrox.
Rangers finished second in the Scottish Premiership, 17 points behind league champions Celtic.
That second-place finish still provides a spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds, presenting the chance for Darling to play in Europe’s top competition.
Rangers will hope to reach the league phase this time around, having been knocked out by Dynamo Kyiv in last year’s qualifiers.
Darling spent the early stages of his career in the lower leagues with Cambridge United and MK Dons, before heading to the Championship with Swansea.
Few could blame him for being attracted to the idea of playing in Europe having been on a journey through the English league system.
Wrexham certainly have a chance with Darling, but Rangers joining the race poses a real threat to Parkinson’s transfer hopes.