Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney smash Wrexham club record for new striker and want former England international next

Wrexham have reportedly smashed their club transfer record and are also eyeing a move for a former England star.

Since the arrival of Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021, Wrexham have been moving up the English football pyramid.

After sealing back-to-back promotions, the Red Dragons are currently third in the League One table, eight points behind leaders Birmingham City.

However, their promotion hopes took a knock earlier in the week after they fell to a 3-2 defeat against Stevenage at the Racecourse.

Ahead of Monday's transfer deadline, it has been announced that Wrexham have completed the signing of Sam Smith from Reading.

As reported by Football Insider, the 26-year-old joined in a club record £2 million transfer.

So far in the 24/25 season, Smith has made 26 appearances across all competitions for the Royals, netting 11 goals.

Despite already having the likes of Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher in his ranks, manager Phil Parkinson is looking to add more firepower for the remainder of the campaign.

In addition to this news, it has been revealed that Wrexham have received a timely cash injection.

Football financial expert Kieran Maguire has claimed that the Welsh club generated over £3 million from an investor by issuing one share.

After signing Smith, it has been claimed that Wrexham have their next target already lined up.

As reported by The Telegraph's Mike McGrath, who wrote on social media: "#Wrexham showing huge ambition in #EFL League One. In for Jay Rodriguez from #Burnley in package worth £15k per week including add-ons. Sam Smith signed from Reading."

Wrexham are back in League One action this weekend when they take on Crawley Town at the Broadfield Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking ahead of the match, Parkinson said: "We will look to respond and we've got a bit of soul searching to do because we've got a great home record but that performance in that first half was not a reflection of what we've done over the last few years and what this club is all about.

"I've got to look quickly at that, look at the reasons why and make sure we pick a team at the weekend which is going to fight tooth and nail for the badge."

He added: "We've got players who didn't play on Tuesday and they've got every right to knock on my door if they don't get selected for the weekend.

"I've just got to make sure that we've got fight in the team, that's what we're all about here. We've always dug deep, fought as a team and had a good team ethic."