One of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's two 'dream' Wrexham signings has already ruled out joining club

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's 'dream' Wrexham signing has already ruled out joining the recently-promoted club following his retirement.

The Dragons, who lifted last season's National League title, will play in League One in the coming months after Phil Parkinson's side secured a second consecutive promotion with a 6-0 win over Forest Green.

Wrexham will be expected to spend big this summer as they get set to compete against much stronger opposition – and five potential transfer targets have already been earmarked.

Notts County striker Macaulay Langstaff, who has previously been linked with a move to the Racecourse Ground, could be a potential option to partner Paul Mullin in forward areas.

And as well as Langstaff, who has netted 28 goals in 45 appearances in League Two this season, it has been previously reported that Wrexham may move for

goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo if he becomes a free agent.

Somebody who will not be moving to the soon-to-be League One side this summer, however, is former Real Madrid and Spurs winger Gareth Bale.

Speaking in 2022, Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

mentioned Bale after revealing that they would rather sign Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo if given the choice.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, McElhenney said: “Messi. I like his size."

Reynolds added: “I was going to say the same thing. I do not sleep on Ronaldo. They're both unbelievable athletes. But I think I'd also take Messi. Gareth Bale wasn't an option, no?”

A year later, Bale turned down the opportunity to come out of retirement and play for Wrexham as he "didn't want to play football anymore", according to former agent Jonathan Barnett.

Image credit: Getty

Barnett also opened up on Bale's frame of mind after hanging up his boots following a shot stint at MLS side LAFC.

"I think for him, it [retirement] was the right time," he told Sky Sports. "He's achieved everything he wanted to achieve -- he played for Wales at the highest level of the World Cup, which is what he really wanted to do, and I think he knew his body wasn't up to it anymore. He's had a hard time with his body the last few years.

"He's had a great career. He's enjoyed himself, but he is having a great life now. He is with his family, which is the most important thing. He's spending a lot of time with his children and that's what he wants to do."

Barnett added: "Yes, he'll do other things, obviously later down the line, but at the moment, let him just enjoy himself."

It's safe to say Bale won't be coming out of retirement anytime soon.