Wrexham Aim To Poach Lincoln City Target
League Two newcomers Wrexham are understood to be pursuing a potential move for Blackpool midfielder Matty Virtue, who spent last season on loan at Lincoln City, according to Alan Nixon.
The 26-year-old joined Mark Kennedy’s side in the summer of 2022 and impressed in the centre of the park. However, a lengthy period on the sidelines meant the former Notts County man only appeared 36 times for the Imps. His contract was due to expire in this summer transfer window but Blackpool made the decision to activate a one-year extension allowing them to receive a fee for his services. It’s understood Lincoln City have been interested in retaining his services but now face competition from League Two newcomers Wrexham. The seasiders are reportedly asking for £200,000, which could prove a significant stumbling block for a player with only one year left on his contract.
The Hollywood backed side were promoted back to the EFL as title winners, beating Notts County despite their competitors also gaining over 100 points in the league. With the impressive 22/23 campaign and financial might of the club, many are backing them to again challenge towards the top of the table. The addition of a player wanted by League One clubs would certainly be a show of intent and add further strength to an already strong side.
Virtue appeared 36 times for the Imps scoring four times as Lincoln City secured a solid mid-table position. He has also made 70 appearances during his time at Blackpool and has previously appeared for Notts County and Liverpool U-21s.
Writer’s View
This would be a statement signing for Wrexham, Virtue was superb for Lincoln City and I, like many Imps fans would have welcomed him back with open arms. The £200,000 price tag is significant for a player unwanted by his parent club and entering the final year of his contract. Lincoln City are unlikely to be willing to play anywhere near that having bought Ethan Erhahon and secured the signing of Alistair Smith on a free transfer. Fee aside, Virtue is a League One midfielder and if Wrexham do manage to secure his signing they will again be a team to watch for 23/24.
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Ben Foster’s mates left amazed by Wrexham ahead of Chelsea and Man Utd friendlies
Wrexham are in the USA for a pre-season friendly tour and some of the club’s planned opponents have shocked the friends of Ben Foster.
The National League champions are playing a different game on their return to the Football League. Instead of taking on Tranmere Rovers or Crewe Alexandra, the Red Dragons have jetted across the Atlantic for a coast-to-coast tour of the USA.
While they are there, they won’t be playing teams of a similar level either. Instead, they have been pitted against Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea as well as MLS sides LA Galaxy and Philadelphia Union.
It’s all in a day’s work for Wrexham right now, who have been riding the crest of a wave ever since Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took ownership of the club in November 2020 and set about reversing the club’s fortunes.
The enormity of their rise in popularity, which is only partially down to success on the pitch but also apportioned to the hugely successful Disney Plus TV series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, is not lost on goalkeeper Ben FoThe former England international has spoken to the BBC about the tour and how the itinerary has shocked some of his friends.ster.
Foster said: “How mad is it? Some of my friends who don’t really follow football are like ‘What are you going to America for?’ I say ‘Ah we’re playing some pre-season games’. They’re like ‘Who are you playing out there?’
Man United and [LA] Galaxy and Chelsea, they’re like ‘What? But you’re Wrexham.’ I’m like, I know, this is where this club is at the minute. It sounds mad but it doesn’t surprise does it? It doesn’t surprise that we’re playing these sort of teams.
“That’s the way this club’s going these days. It’s brilliant to see and long may it continue as well.”
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