Wrexham linked with former Premier League midfielder who was international teammates with James McClean

It's just over two weeks until the opening of the EFL transfer window and Wrexham have already been linked with a host of players.

Phil Parkinson's side secured back-to-back promotions after finishing second in the League Two ladder, just four points behind champions Stockport.

The Red Dragons will likely add their squad in the coming months.

In fact, they've already identified left-back as a position they would like to strengthen, with Liverpool youth product Joe Rafferty being mentioned.

Brighton and Hove Albion's Marc Leonard is also said to be of interest after an impressive loan spell at Northampton Town.

And another player that has been linked with a move to the Racecourse Ground is former Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane.

The 33-year-old, who captained Derby County to Championship promotion this season, scored six goals in 47 appearances for the Rams as they finished second behind Portsmouth.

But the Republic of Ireland international is now looking for a new club after being released.

Hourihane is said to be a target for League One outfit Barnsley in a player-coach role, although rumours are emerging that Wrexham are also keen on making a move.

Wrexham podcast @fearlessidzine commented on the reports before quoting the club's winger James McClean, who has played with Hourihane on numerous occasions at international level.

Speaking recently about his side’s preparation for League One, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said: “Like I have said before, the way we have operated is that we identify the player and then a deal is put in place.

“We then decide whether it represents good value and if it does, then we try and get it over the line.”

He added: “If it doesn't then obviously we move away as we have done in the past for various reasons. We haven't got to the stage of the summer of talking about fees and things like that.

“The clubs we will be competing with for those players will have equal spending power so I haven't really sensed that at the moment that people are trying to inflate the price because it is Wrexham.”