Wrexham are reportedly eyeing up a move for a Premier League star, with the newly-promoted Championship side already making an approach for their number one summer target

Wrexham have reportedly set their sights on an ambitious transfer deal for Fulham captain Tom Cairney following their promotion to the Championship. The Welsh team, owned by Hollywood A-list celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, clinched automatic promotion to the second tier last month.

Manager Phil Parkinson is anticipated to receive substantial backing during the forthcoming transfer window as he seeks to bolster his squad to compete at a higher level. Wrexham show no signs of slowing down, with the Telegraph reporting that the club has already made an approach for Cairney in a bold move.

Negotiations for the midfielder are believed to be in the initial stages, but could potentially break the club’s £2million transfer record, previously set when they signed striker Sam Smith from Reading in January. Cairney, who has earned two caps for Scotland, has made 23 Premier League appearances for Fulham this season.

The 34-year-old has twice helped Fulham secure promotion from the Championship and has been a pivotal player for the club. Wrexham have already signed several former Premier League veterans during their rise from the National League, following three consecutive promotions.

Wrexham’s current squad boasts talents like ex-West Brom winger James McClean, former Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez and Steven Fletcher, who made his mark at Wolves and Sunderland. The club has also been linked with a sensational move for Leicester City ace Jamie Vardy this summer, following the announcement of his departure from the Foxes once his contract ends.

Negotiations for Cairney might be drawn out, as Wrexham director Shaun Harvey has hinted that the club’s initial summer signing is likely to be a free agent. Speaking on the Fearless in Devotion podcast, the ex-EFL chief executive, who is part of Wrexham’s transfer committee, shed light on their strategy for the upcoming window.

Harvey said: “No doubt there’s been lists prepared of players in each position for different divisions who we know are coming out of contract at the end of this season. Do not be surprised if the first signings you see are players who are out of contract, and the reason for that is that they represent the best value.

“A player without a transfer fee usually ends up commanding more in wages, because guess what, everybody else is looking to try and do the same thing. Phil picks them, along with his coaching staff and scouting staff, and ultimately, I tell them I’m not interested until they’ve narrowed it down to two.”

When discussing the signing of contracted players, he added: “The book says to speak to the club and get permission to speak to the player. In reality, you do as much work as you can to make sure that a player will want to come and join you because, as popular as Wrexham are in this room, it is not the only football club that’s employing footballers.”

Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard is set to leave the club(Image: Getty Images)Wrexham’s official retained list has yet to be made public. However, goalkeeper Mark Howard revealed on Thursday that he’ll be moving on after his contract reaches its end next month.

The experienced keeper shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to announce his departure, expressing no desire to hang up his gloves just yet. Howard also extended gratitude towards Wrexham’s superstar owners for their unwavering backing.

He said: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club. As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates.”

Despite occasional tensions with supporters due to some on-pitch mistakes during their National League campaign in 2022/23, Howard said: “I would like to think you’ve all grown to love me.”

Talking about his next plans, he added: “At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me. Finally, a huge thank you to these two amazing people. @robmcelhenney @vancityreynolds”.