Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson calls in rare favour from Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to complete record-breaking transfer

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has reportedly enlisted the help of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in a bid to secure a transfer target.

Welsh side Wrexham have experienced a meteoric rise since Hollywood duo Reynolds and McElhenney bought the club back in February 2021.

Since the deal was confirmed, the Red Dragons have secured three promotions in a row and they are now preparing for life in the second tier of English football.

So far this summer, Wrexham have signed forward Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle and have been linked with a host of different players.

Speaking recently, manager Parkinson revealed that he asked Reynolds and McElhenney to help convince a transfer target to make a move to Wales.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have owned Wrexham since 2021. Image: Getty

As reported by Stuff, Parkinson said: "We’re looking to sign a player and we’ve got a lot of competition to get the signature.

"I spoke to Rob and Ryan about it so they put a call in to the player as well, explained the back story and why we wanted them."

The name of the player attracting Parkinson and Wrexham's attention has not been confirmed.

In recent days, there have been reports linking Wrexham with a move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien.

The 26-year-old spent the second half of the 24/25 season on loan at Swansea City and has now attracted interest from around the country.

Aside from Wrexham, it has been suggested that clubs like Birmingham City, Hull City and Southampton are also keeping tabs on O'Brien.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Wrexham are ready to make a club record £5 million bid for O'Brien.

However, as reported by The Sun, Forest are looking to bring in around £8 million if they are to part ways with the midfielder who made 16 appearances in the Championship last season.

Lewis O'Brien has been linked with a move to Wrexham. Image: Getty

The report also stated that Hull had already made a £5 million move and could soon up their efforts to sign O'Brien.

Speaking at the end of the 24/25 campaign, the Englishman spoke about a potential return to Swansea.

He said: "I have really enjoyed my time here. It's never out of the question [returning], but sometimes it's not in my hands, especially having to go back to my parent club.

"We will see what the summer holds. It's never say never really."