Wrexham Respond to Claim Premier League Club Want to Make Record Transfer

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has poured cold water over suggestions one of his players could be on the move to a Premier League side for a record transfer fee.

Parkinson has overseen the Welsh side's rise up the English football pyramid from non-league to the Championship in recent years.

The Dragons have had three promotions in succession and currently find themselves just one step below the Premier League.

Wrexham are currently ninth in the Championship and are part of a tightly packed group of teams which are chasing a potential place in the play-offs.

Last night, the Red Dragons wrote another chapter in the club's remarkable recent history since being purchased by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney by beating Premier League opposition in the FA Cup third round.

The Championship side beat Nottingham Forest 4-3 on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra-time with Sean Dyche's men at the Racecourse Ground.

Liberato Cacace and Ollie Rathbone saw the hosts race into a two goal lead, before Igor Jesus halved the deficit after the hour mark.

Dom Hyam made the score 3-1 to the hosts, before two goals by Callum Hudson-Odoi forced the game to extra-time.

Wrexham emerged victorious in the resulting penalty shootout as goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo saved from Jesus and Omari Hutchinson to ensure the hosts' place in the fourth round amid jubilant scenes.

However, one key member of the Wrexham squad was absent amid rumours surrounding his future.

Wrexham defender Max Cleworth. (Image: Getty)

Central defender Max Cleworth has played a big role in Wrexham's success in recent seasons, and played 27 times in all competitions so far this campaign.

However, he was absent from the squad which took on Forest and followed rumours that Premier League side Aston Villa have their eye on signing Cleworth with a bid of £12m for the Wrexham academy graduate in the works.

However, Parkinson cooled speculation surrounding the defender's future as he confirmed Cleworth's absence from the squad against Forest was planned due to an injury precaution and he rejected suggestions that Villa are seeking to sign him.

When asked about the rumours, Parkinson said: "No I haven’t heard that at all. Max is very much part of our plans. He had a problem with his groin.

"We decided that whatever happened at Derby, we would rest him tonight."

The Derby reference is Wrexham's most recent Championship game, which they won 2-1 on the road at Pride Park.

Cleworth is under contract at Wrexham until the summer of 2027 and the mentioned £12m fee would be the club's record sale, if it does come to fruition.