Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney sign off move for 11-goal striker after Wrexham's shock promotion setback

Wrexham will push to sign one of League One's top scorers before the transfer deadline on Monday, according to a new report – and it would be a huge coup for the promotion-chasers.

Phil Parkinson's side are hoping to become the first club to achieve three successive promotions in the English football pyramid.

Rob McElhenney, who completed the much-anticipated takeover of Wrexham in February 2021 alongside fellow Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, was confident ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

“It's never been done before," McElhenney said. "We hope so, I think it's only been done 18 times when a team has gone back-to-back, but never in the history of English football has a team ever gone back-to-back-to-back. We'll see.”

So far, things are going well for the Red Dragons as they sit in third place, eight points behind League One leaders Birmingham City.

But unlike title rivals Wycombe and Birmingham – who have standout goalscorers in Richard Kone and Jay Stansfield – Wrexham lack a talisman to lead their forward line, with

Elliott Lee, Max Cleworth and Steven Fletcher netting six goals each.

With that being said, Parkinson's men are plotting a move for highly-rated forward Sam Smith, according to Football League World.

The 26-year-old, who has impressed at fellow League One side Reading over the past two campaigns having rejoined in 2023 on a three-year deal, is currently their top scorer in the league with 11 goals.

Reading will be hoping to keep one of their biggest assets but as the above report suggests, Reading's financial issues mean they are naturally open to losing the likes of Smith.

Smith has netted 11 goals in the league this season. Image credit: Getty

Last week, Wrexham made a statement of intent as they completed their first signing of the January window.

Ryan Longman joined for an undisclosed fee from Hull City, signing a deal until the end of the 2026/27 season with the option of an additional year.

Wrexham podcast RobRyanRed later revealed that the fee paid for the 24-year-old winger is believed to be in the region of £500,000

In a club statement, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: “We’re delighted to bring Ryan to the Club. He’s an exciting young player and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Longman added: “I’m over the moon and so glad that the deal is over the line. I’m really looking forward to being a part of this journey. I came to watch the game last night and the atmosphere was incredible.”