Wrexham look set to sign a striker before the transfer deadline but one previous target appears to be heading to the Championship.
The January transfer deadline is inching ever closer and Phil Parkinson has just a few more days to get his business done.
Against the backdrop of some concerning form on the pitch, Wrexham have completed just the one January signing so far.
Ryan Longman joined Wrexham last week, completing a move from Hull City worth around £500,000.
Longman should be a fine addition given his versatility to play in different roles, but Wrexham do still need another striker.
Wrexham are now close to signing Sam Smith with the Reading striker expected to complete a club-record move.
Wrexham summer target now wanted by Cardiff City
Parkinson will be delighted if the Smith deals gets over the line but will have backup targets in mind in case anything goes wrong.
One man who may still be on Parkinson’s radar is Tottenham Hotspur talent Will Lankshear.
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Reports over the summer suggested that Wrexham had made enquiries into signing Lankshear on loan.
Tottenham ended up deciding to keep Lankshear and wanted him to develop around Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
The 19-year-old has played just 10 minutes of Premier League action but has scored in one of his three Europa League outings.
Tottenham have now recalled Dane Scarlett and Football London claim that Lankshear is now set to go out on loan before the deadline.
Wrexham may well still be keen but it’s stated that Tottenham now want him to be playing Championship football.
Lankshear could still end up in Wales though with Cardiff City thought to be interested.
The Bluebirds are looking to pull clear of the Championship relegation zone and seemingly want Lankshear to help them.
Cardiff aren’t alone though with Burnley, Luton Town, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion also keen.
It’s fairly clear that Lankshear won’t be joining Wrexham now but Parkinson won’t be too fussed if he can secure Smith.
Sam Smith a huge statement of intent
Maybe Wrexham could have snapped up a young Premier League talent like Lankshear or Jayden Danns.
Loan deals can help provide an injection of quality but Wrexham could have been left to target another new striker this summer.
Instead, Wrexham have decided to splash the cash and make a real statement by pinching the star striker of a League One rival.
Smith is a proven League One goalscorer across his spells with Reading and Cambridge United, but may well be ready to step up to the Championship.
The 26-year-old still has some untapped potential and Wrexham will not only see him as a player who can help the promotion push this season, but also make a huge impact for the coming years.
Lankshear is a great talent but Wrexham have decided to splash the cash on a club-record deal for Smith instead – and that statement of intent is certainly exciting from Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.