Blackpool midfielder now released less than a year since Wrexham wanted to sign him

Wrexham will be active in the transfer market this summer and midfielder Matty Virtue may be a name to consider once again.

The summer transfer window is just around the corner and Wrexham’s work has surely already started.

Phil Parkinson has guided Wrexham to back-to-back promotions and is now preparing for life in League One.

The journey so far has been incredible but Wrexham now need major reinforcements – and Parkinson knows it.

Parkinson suggested in April that Wrexham have ‘got to improve’ anticipating that the jump to League One will be a big one.

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds will have to fund some important signings this summer and we may even see Wrexham’s transfer record broken.

The £300,000 spent on Ollie Palmer remains Wrexham’s record but with major additions wanted this summer, that record could go.

Wrexham will be looking at free agents as well though and one former target has just become available.

Blackpool announce Matty Virtue exit

Wrexham were heavily linked with a move to land Blackpool midfielder Matty Virtue last summer.

Reports indicated that Wrexham were looking into sign Virtue after a strong loan spell at League One side Lincoln City.

The Sun’s Alan Nixon suggested that Blackpool were demanding around £200,000 for Virtue but no deal was done.

Virtue remained Blackpool for the 2023-24 season, but started just three League One games whilst coming off the bench 22 times.

Blackpool have now announced that Virtue will be leaving the club this summer.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool talent is out of contract and Blackpool’s retained list confirms that he will not receive a new deal.

Virtue will now head into the window as a free agent and Wrexham will certainly be aware of his availability.

Will Wrexham aim higher than Virtue?

Whether Wrexham still feel that Virtue would be a good signing is unclear.

Wrexham rated Virtue a year ago and the chance to sign him for free – after Blackpool wanted £200,000 – may appeal.

However, Wrexham’s aims have now gone up another level.

Wrexham viewed Virtue as a player who could make a big impact in League Two, but the aim now is to sign players who can shine in League One.

Virtue did that with Lincoln City during the 2022-23 season but his lack of starts for Blackpool maybe suggests that Wrexham will now look elsewhere.

Wrexham have made a habit of luring players into dropping down divisions and the target may now be to sign Championship midfielders rather than Virtue.

The 27-year-old may still have a look at Virtue now he is becoming a free agent, but we would suggest that the window for a deal may have now passed as Wrexham continue to move forward.

GET MORE NEWS HERE