Wrexham 'open talks' with son of Premier League cult hero after contract cancelled

Wrexham could be set to take advantage of a fellow Championship club's struggles after reportedly opening talks with an established second-tier forward.

Ryan Reynolds' ambitious club, co-owned with actor Rob McElhenney, have secured three promotions in succession to rise from the National League to the Championship. They get their new season underway at Southampton and have been active in the transfer market already by adding Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward and Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie.

Defender Liberato Cacace arrived in a high-profile signing from Serie A outfit Empoli in a transfer that is reportedly worth over £1m which would represent a record transfer fee under the ownership of Reynolds and McElhenney as the pair look to build a squad capable of competing in the Championship - over 40 years since Wrexham were last in the second tier.

Wrexham wrapped up their pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand against Wellington Phoenix this weekend. (Image: Getty)

Now, it is reported that Wrexham are in talks with free agent Josh Windass after his release by crisis-club Sheffield Wednesday this week.

Windass made over 150 appearances for Wednesday in the second and third tiers but left Hillsborough by mutual consent after a summer of crisis in Sheffield. Unpaid wages and transfer embargoes have hindered Wednesday's preparations for the new season, with Windass and fellow forward Michael Smith both leaving after an agreement was reached to end their contracts.

Windass, 31, is the son of Premier League cult hero Dean Windass, who scored the iconic goal to send Hull City to the top flight in 2008.

Wrexham are said to be interested in signing Josh Windass after his Sheffield Wednesday exit. (Image: Getty)

He also represented Bradford in the Premiership, making over 600 career appearances over 21 years.

Wrexham are currently on tour in Australia and New Zealand, beating Melbourne Victory in their opening game of pre-season before losing to Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix. BBC Sport say talks will take place with Josh Windass when they return to Wales following the Wellington clash early on Saturday morning, while it is added that other Championship clubs are eyeing Windass as a transfer option.