Wrexham’s promotion is not yet known, but a move to sign Rangers playmaker Tom Lawrence is already being ruled in the media.
Wrexham return to League One action this weekend as Phil Parkinson prepares to take on Burton Albion.
The Brewers cannot be taken lightly – especially with former Wrexham trio Anthony Forde, James Jones and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson in Gary Bowyer’s ranks.
Wrexham drew with Cambridge United in midweek, which sums up how relegation-threatened teams can still pose a real problem.
Parkinson’s side must be ready for battle here, with a victory potentially taking Wrexham another step closer to promotion.
Wrexham can’t look too far ahead right now, but one rumoured summer target has already emerged.
Wayne Rooney a big fan of Wrexham target Tom Lawrence
Reports earlier this week suggested that Wrexham are interested in signing Tom Lawrence on a free transfer this summer.
Lawrence is out of contract at Rangers this summer and looks set to leave Ibrox for nothing.
The Wales international playmaker hails from Wrexham and could make a homecoming this summer.
Lawrence has proven himself in the Championship in the past, with a spell at Derby County reaping 37 goals and 25 assists in 185 games.
Lawrence played under Wayne Rooney during his time at Pride Park and certainly made an impression on the England legend.
Speaking on Derby’s official website in 2022, Rooney praised Lawrence as ‘excellent’ whilst suggesting that he had become a leader after becoming the club’s captain.
Rooney felt that giving Lawrence the armband was a ‘controversial’ call, but he felt Lawrence had justified the decision.
Rooney praised Lawrence for his ‘unnoticed’ work rate off the ball – something Phil Parkinson would surely appreciate at Wrexham.
“Tom has been excellent and he really has led by example on the pitch,” said Rooney.
“I know some people may have looked at the decision I made in the summer, when I made him captain, and thought it was a bit controversial – but I knew it was in Tom. I have known him for a long time, since he was a young lad at Manchester United, and I know how to get the best out of him.
“I think we are seeing his quality from an attacking point of view, but what sometimes goes unnoticed is the work rate and effort he is putting in during every game,” he added.
Tom Lawrence also impressed Frank Lampard
Rooney was not the only England legend to coach Lawrence at Derby.
Frank Lampard became Rams boss back in 2018 and spent just the one season with Lawrence at his disposal.
Speaking to Sky Sports in 2019, Lawrence suggested that Lawrence is a ‘top player’ and simply would not allow him to leave Derby.
“Top players, with the attributes of Tom, will always take interest from other clubs,” said Lampard.
“It’s of no interest to me because Tom’s such an important player for us, and the same from his part. Tom Lawrence won’t be leaving,” he added.
Fast forward six years and Lawrence is now preparing to become a free agent once again.
There will be offers from established Championship clubs, but the chance to play a part in the rise of his hometown club under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds should be enticing to Lawrence this summer.