This weekend’s Newport vs. Manchester United scouting mission will feature Wrexham.

Wrexham are set to scout Newport County’s Shane McLoughlin during his side’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider, who say that clubs from the Championship and League One are also interested in the 26-year-old.

McLoughlin already an important player for Newport

It is not long since McLoughlin joined Newport, with the 26-year-old having only made the move to Rodney Parade last summer.

Since then, the former Ireland youth international has become a vital player for the Exiles, making 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in that time.

That has helped Newport to 14th place in the current League Two standings, six points adrift of the play-off places.

Now though, it appears that the form of McLoughlin – who is capable of playing both as a defender and midfielder – is starting to attract plenty of attention from elsewhere, in the final week of the transfer window.

Wrexham among clubs set for Newport v Man Utd scouting mission

According to this latest update from Football Insider, Wrexham are one of the clubs who are considering whether or not to make a move for McLoughlin late in the January window.

As well as Wrexham, it is thought that Championship side Rotherham United, and League One duo Lincoln City and Wycombe Wanderers, are interested in the 26-year-old.

Those interested clubs are reportedly due to watch McLoughlin for Newport, when they face Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Rodney Parade on Sunday afternoon

Currently, there are 18 months remaining on McLoughlin’s contract with Newport, securing his future at the club until the end of the 2024/25 season.

That of course, ensures the Exiles do have some scope to negotiate any offers that come in between now and the transfer deadline on February 1st.

Mixed fortunes for those interested in McLoughlin

It has been an excellent first season back in the Football League following National League promotion for Wrexham this season, with the club currently second in League Two, competing for a second straight promotion.

Rotherham meanwhile, are currently battling to avoid relegation to League One, with the Millers sitting bottom of the Championship table, eight points from safety.

Meanwhile, Lincoln sit 12th in the League One table, eight points clear of the relegation, with Wycombe 17th in those third-tier standings, four points behind the Imps.

McLoughlin an interesting target for potential suitors

It does feel as though this could certainly be an intriguing move for one of these clubs interested in McLoughlin.

The versatility that he would bring to any side makes him a valuable asset, as does the fact that he already has some considerable experience across the Football League.

You also get the feeling that the level of interest being shown in the 26-year-old may make this something of a coup, and he has a chance to show just how good he can be against top level opposition in this clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

As a result, if he can shine in that game at Rodney Parade, there could be something of a battle for his signature, in the final days of the January transfer window.

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