Wrexham could lose first player for a transfer fee under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as Rangers plot deal

Wrexham could lose a first player for a transfer fee for the first time in the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney regime.

The Hollywood pair bought the Red Dragons back in February 2021 and have not been shy to splash the cash and bring in a slew of high-level players into Phil Parkinson's squad.

Wrexham, who have secured back-to-back promotions in the last two seasons, broke their transfer record twice in the summer window with the captures of both Ollie Rathbone and Mo Faal.

Until now, Wrexham have not received a transfer fee for a departing player since Reynolds and McElhenney acquired the club. The only exits have been loans and free transfers, but that could be about to change - with Rangers said to be keen on one of their key assets.

Rangers News claim the Scottish giants are interested in Wrexham's Ryan Barnett, who has arguably been their top performer so far this season.

The 25-year-old, formerly of Shrewsbury Town and Solihull Moors, has registered five assists from wing-back in League One this term - and opened his account for the season with the winner against Mansfield Town last weekend.

Rangers have been keeping tabs heading into the January window, with Wrexham recently activating a contract extension clause in Barnett's contract to underline his importance.

Championship sides Stoke City and Preston North End are also believed to be admirers.

Wrexham's Ryan Barnett is a man in demand. Image: Getty

Wrexham are currently third in League One and Barnett has been enjoying his football at the Stok Racecourse, having been nominated for the Player of the Month last month.

“I’m loving it,” Barnet told BBC Sport.

"The manager gives me that freedom when I go forward and gives me that confidence to take people on.

“All the lads have got that belief in me as well.

“I think that’s all you can ask for in football, you want to be confident and you want to be happy and I am in a really good spot at the moment.”