The Wrexham Insider

One Wrexham transfer target may have just seen his chances of a summer move wiped out after his club decided to extend his stay.

Wrexham’s summer transfer has got off to a relatively slow start, following the Dragons’ promotion from League One under Phil Parkinson last season.

Other clubs are making transfers, although we are still only in the very early stages of the summer transfer window which is actually closed again, re-opening on June 16th.

Expect Parkinson and co to be doing a lot of work behind the scenes at the Racecourse, as the list of Wrexham transfer targets continues to grow almost every day.

And there seems to be no cap on the quality of players being linked with a move to Wales this summer. The biggest name yet appears to be Christian Eriksen.

Recent reports have claimed that Wrexham are interested in signing Eriksen on a free transfer although whether those reports have much truth remains to be seen, with Eriksen looking likely to move to a top flight European club instead.

Another big name linked is Ben Davies.

Nathan Salt gives verdict on Ben Davies to Wrexham after Spurs’ contract decision

It’s been revealed that Davies is a transfer target for Wrexham this summer. The 96-cap Welsh legend was originally out of contract this summer, but Spurs extended Davies’ contract for another year, seemingly putting an end to a potential summer transfer for the defender who has also been linked with Leeds United.

But speaking on the Rob Ryan Red podcast, journalist Nathan Salt has given his verdict on the chances of Wrexham now signing Davies, suggesting that there remains a chance the deal gets done, albeit it’s now much more unlikely to happen. Salt explained: “I think it’s unlikely now. I understand that, people saying ‘Well it’s probably not going to happen now’, ‘It’s not going to happen now’.

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“Probably not. But I actually don’t think them triggering an extension completely wipes any possibility of him leaving the football club. I think it’s purely a financial, a clever accounting move really, at least you’re going to get some money if Ben Davies does end up moving on.”

The other defenders linked with Wrexham this summer

Davies could be a great signing for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s side: he’s hugely experienced and a Welsh legend, and a defender capable of playing on the left or in the middle.

But he’s not the only defender linked with a move to the Racecourse with Swansea City’s Harry Darling also a target for Wrexham this summer. He too has plenty of other suitors in the Football League, though.

Meanwhile, Man United have released Jonny Evans and Jack Kingdon along with Eriksen, and the two defenders have also been mentioned alongside a possible move to Wrexham this summer.

Wrexham are looking to land Ben Davies from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

The Wrexham Insider understands that Wrexham have spoken to Ben Davies about a potential transfer.

The defender was expected to be a free agent at the end of this month, but Tottenham Hotspur extended Davies’ contract recently, meaning he still has another year to run.

Wrexham could pay over £5m for the Spurs star, with the combination of high wages and a transfer fee quickly adding up.

It remains to be seen if the Red Dragons are willing to get that deal over the line, but there is another player in north London that Phil Parkinson should be eyeing, especially after his recent admission.

What Phil Parkinson said about Wrexham loaning Premier League players

Speaking at the back end of May, Parkinson admitted to contacting Premier League clubs regarding loan moves.

He stated: “The loan market is something we are looking at. It’s all about touching base with the Premier League loan managers, making sure we have an understanding of who could become available.

“A lot of those players (whose loan spells for 2024-25 have now ended) will probably go back and start pre-season with their clubs because managers like numbers around them for pre-season games. We can probably attract a better calibre of player than we’d have been able to do in the past.”

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We have since revealed that Wrexham could sign Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison on loan, though a number of teams are looking at the striker.

But there is another number nine who the Dragons have already eyed that would be the perfect signing this summer.

Wrexham loaning Will Lankshear from Tottenham makes sense

Before landing Modou Faal, Wrexham wanted to sign Will Lankshear from Tottenham on a temporary basis last summer.

A move did not come to pass, and the striker spent the first half of 2024/25 in the capital, scoring his first goal for the Lilywhites in the Europa League.

Lankshear was then loaned to West Brom in the second half of the campaign and has returned to Spurs this summer, where he is likely third-choice behind Dominic Solanke and Dane Scarlett.

One of Scarlett or Lankshear moving out on loan this summer would make sense, especially if Tottenham sign a new centre-forward in the coming months.

And with Wrexham already having an interest in the player and Parkinson confirming he’s been asking about loaning Premier League players, the Dragons going back in for the 20-year-old would make a lot of sense.

Wrexham remain interested in signing Ben Davies and will be keeping very close tabs on Tottenham Hotspur’s business.

Phil Parkinson appears to be keen on bringing a new left-sided defender to Wrexham this summer.

The Wrexham Insider understands that Wrexham have offered a deal to Aaron Cresswell after his departure from West Ham United.

Wrexham are also interested in Ben Davies, with confusion surrounding his Tottenham Hotspur contract in recent weeks.

Tottenham have now kept hold of Davies, activating a one-year option in his contract to avoid him leaving for nothing.

Wrexham aren’t giving up on Davies, though, with reports suggesting Parkinson is still eyeing a move for the Welsh international.

Thomas Frank already wants new centre-back at Tottenham Hotspur

The reports suggested that Wrexham are still chasing Davies, but any move would be dependent on Tottenham signing another central defender.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite was the name mentioned, with the England international viewed as a top target.

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Spurs are close to appointing Thomas Frank as their new manager having sacked Ange Postecoglou last week.

The Dane is already thinking about potential signings, and the Hounslow Herald claim that Frank wants to sign Brentford defender Nathan Collins.

Collins has played a key role under Frank at Brentford and the pair could reunite at Tottenham.

That could be the signing to really give Wrexham hope of signing Davies, especially given the other centre-back options at Frank’s disposal.

Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso are all contracted for next season, with any deal for Collins potentially pushing Davies down the pecking order before any sales.

Davies is also an option at left back, but Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence were given the nod in that role this past season.

Collins won’t come cheap, but Wrexham will be watching any potential move with real interest in the hope of signing Davies after all.

Wrexham’s left-sided centre-back options

This is an interesting area of Wrexham’s team and we can completely understand why Parkinson is eyeing up a signing there.

Lewis Brunt impressed on the left side of Wrexham’s defence, but he is naturally right-footed.

Parkinson is looking for balance and he does have two left-footed centre backs at his disposal.

Thomas O’Connor is the most natural competition for Brunt as things stand, having played in that role many times over the years.

O’Connor split time with Brunt last season and could be bumped down the pecking order if Cresswell or Davies arrive.

Will Boyle is also a left-footed defender, but is better utilised in the heart of defence and barely featured this past season.

It’s easy to imagine how Cresswell or Davies would slot into the Wrexham defence, but Parkinson may be left with the decision to sign one or the other, rather than both.

Among the many big names linked with Wrexham this summer, Ben Davies is one of the most experienced and expensive of the lot, but there are alternatives.

With Wrexham heading for the Championship, naturally, the playing squad needs to improve. It makes sense, then, that the Red Dragons are being put forward for a much higher level of transfer target this summer.

But, many of the players mooted as options for Wrexham are so expensive that they border on the nonsensical at times.

Ben Davies had been suggested as a potential Wrexham signing, and is a player fans would love to see at the Racecourse Ground. Even his new contract at Tottenham Hotspur has not put Wrexham off, apparently.

But, is it the right move, considering how much it would cost Wrexham to bring Davies back to Wales?

Kortney Hause is a cheaper and younger option than Ben Davies

We did the maths, and according to data from Capology, Ben Davies’ current deal at Spurs is worth £80,000 per week (or £4.16m per year).

That’s a huge sum of money for any club in the Championship, or indeed even in the Premier League, really. Add to that the fact that Davies now has more time on his contract, meaning Spurs could command a transfer fee, and the deal looks impossible.

Transfermarkt put Davies down as being worth around €6m (which equates to roughly £5,087,970), meaning Wrexham would not only have to drastically change their wage structure, but they’d also have to break their transfer fee record.

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Alternatively, Wrexham could save more than £8.6m by going for free agent Kortney Hause, instead. The defender is younger, just as versatile as Davies, and has now been released by Aston Villa.

The caveat is, Hause has not featured for Villa since the 2022/23 campaign due to injury issues. But, he’s back in training now (as per BBC Sport), and if Wrexham can sign him for nothing and get him tied to a deal on the £10,000 per week wages he was paid at Aston Villa, it would surely be a risk worth taking.

Hause can bring athleticism to the Wrexham defence, and he’s a left-footed player just like Davies so he can cover down that side of the pitch where the Red Dragons are weaker.

Aston Villa icon Gabby Agbonlahor was full of praise for Hause in the past (via Football Insider), saying: “Whenever he’s come in for Aston Villa he’s done well. He’s not looked phased, he’s not looked out of place, he’s looked very strong, he’s got the pace and he’s good in the air.”

There is almost no way that Wrexham will be able to persuade Davies to drop down a division and take a hefty pay cut, so spending any time considering that is time wasted in the transfer market.

What we know about Wrexham’s wage structure for 2025/26

With the commercial revenue from the Championship and Wrexham’s own brilliant branding and sponsorship deals bringing in even more money, we know the club can afford to flex its financial muscles this summer.

However, it sounds like Wrexham will offer wages up to £25,000 per week, maybe £30,000 at a push. That pretty much rules them out of the running to sign the likes of Davies, Danny Ings, Jamie Vardy and more.

Wrexham were dealt a blow as Tottenham Hotspur decided to keep Ben Davies on Sunday, but the story may not be over just yet.

Wrexham are in the market for significant signings this summer as Phil Parkinson looks to strengthen ahead of life in the Championship.

Some experienced names have been linked with moves to the STōK Cae Ras and Wrexham have been targeting Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies.

The Wrexham Insider understands Wrexham spoke to Davies and his representatives ahead of a potential move to North Wales.

That was backed up by Sky Sports, with Davies heading towards becoming a free agent this summer.

Tottenham decided to keep Davies on Sunday, announcing that they had activated a one-year option in his contract.

Wrexham still chasing Ben Davies

That appeared to be the end of Wrexham’s hopes, with Tottenham having no intention of allowing Davies to walk away.

Wrexham may still have hope, though, as the Daily Mail claim Parkinson still wants to sign the defender.

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Wrexham could now cough up a fee to sign Davies, with a move still in play despite that contract extension.

Spurs may have simply activated the extra year in order to sell Davies rather than lose him for nothing, which is certainly what Wrexham are hoping to see.

Davies has spent 11 years at Tottenham and few could blame him for trying something new at this stage in his career.

The 32-year-old would be a simply ideal fit on the left side of Wrexham’s back three and we can understand why Parkinson still wants him on board.

The composure and experience Davies possesses would make him a top performer in the Championship while adding another real leader to Parkinson’s squad.

It’s unclear just how much Tottenham would want for Davies, but Wrexham seemingly haven’t given up hope of a deal.

Jarrad Branthwaite could be Wrexham’s key

Tottenham are preparing for the arrival of a new manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou on Friday afternoon.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank appears to be the favourite for the job and Spurs are already eyeing new additions.

The Mail report that Tottenham are ramping up their interest in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite is a left-footed centre back and Tottenham would be more willing to let Davies leave if they can sign the Everton ace.

Wrexham have suffered a transfer blow after Tottenham Hotspur decided to activate an option to keep hold of defender Ben Davies.

Phil Parkinson is seeking additions to his Wrexham squad having clinched a third straight promotion.

The rumour mill has been in overdrive in recent weeks, but Wrexham are yet to finalise a new signing.

Wrexham had targeted Ben Davies, speaking to the Wales international about a potential move to the STōK Cae Ras.

Davies has been in the dark at Tottenham Hotspur; his contract was due to expire this summer, but Spurs held a one-year option on his deal.

Tottenham have now decided to keep Davies, meaning the defender won’t be heading to Wrexham unless a cash deal is thrashed out.

Wrexham attention surely turns back to Aaron Cresswell

We would have loved to see Davies join Wrexham.

A dependable and reliable performer, Davies would have brought top-level experience to the STōK Cae Ras.

The door isn’t entirely closed, but Wrexham may need to move on – but the alternative target appears to be clear.

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Davies is an experienced, left-footed defender who has moved from a left-back role to playing as more of a centre-back in a three-man defence.

Davies also possesses quality on the ball and would have been a free transfer had Tottenham not activated that option.

Aaron Cresswell ticks those boxes too, and would figure to become Wrexham’s alternative to Davies.

Cresswell has been linked with Wrexham having been released by West Ham United this summer.

The Wrexham Insider understands Wrexham have offered Cresswell a deal, potentially attempting to tee up deals for both him and Davies.

That would have allowed Wrexham to choose one down the line as Parkinson looks to add a left-sided defender.

Davies is now off the table, leaving Cresswell as the clear favourite to be Wrexham’s new addition on the left side of defence.

Wrexham eyeing Aaron Cresswell’s former teammates

Cresswell is three years older than Davies but still has enough in the tank to make a big contribution in the Championship.

The former England international is far from the only experienced head being linked with Wrexham, but there could be a real West Ham United reunion on the cards.

Wrexham also want to sign Craig Dawson, with the defender now a free agent having been released by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Cresswell and Dawson played together 70 times for West Ham, racking up more than 5000 minutes together and even joining forces for four Hammers goals.

Wrexham are rivalling Watford for Danny Ings, who has been released by the Hammers alongside Cresswell this summer.

Cresswell and Ings have only recorded 27 games together, but have spent the last two-and-a-half years together.

The connections between the trio could appeal to Parkinson, and all three being available on free transfers could free up major cash to commit to big signings elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed what they plan to do with Ben Davies amid vast interest from Wrexham.

Wrexham have a Championship season to prepare for, and it is no surprise to see Phil Parkinson’s side showing ambition in regards to players they have been linked with.

There is a clear trend amongst the players who Wrexham have been linked to, and it involves Premier League and/or Championship experience, something that Parkinson is prioritising.

Wrexham initially sounded out Tom Cairney as an option, but such a move now looks unlikely, whilst former Rangers and Derby County man Tom Lawrence was also regarded as a suitable midfield option.

Defenders have also been targeted, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies appearing high up on Parkinson’s list of potential signings, but such a deal could be dead in the water after Spurs’ most recent decision.

Tottenham Hotspur make decision to extend Ben Davies contract despite Wrexham interest

Ahead of the 2025/26 season, Spurs have decided to trigger an extension in Ben Davies’ contract, ensuring that he is under contract next season.

Wrexham were initially interested in the Welsh international due to his contract being set to expire this summer, but Spurs have moved quickly to ensure his future, which will likely end Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s pursuit of the full-back.

Davies was initially unsure about his Tottenham Hotspur future, and the Welshman had since held talks with Wrexham, but it is now clear that he wishes to stay with the North London side as they prepare for their Premier League season. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Davies willing to stay at the club following their success in the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou.

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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney must expect transfer setbacks this summer

First Tom Cairney, and now Ben Davies look unlikely to move to the Racecourse Ground – whilst on the surface it may reflect negatively on Wrexham to miss out on two targets, it shows more the calibre of players they are targeting.

Any side in the Championship will ultimately find it difficult to lure Premier League-proven players away from the top flight, but if a team are able to deliver a marquee signing then it is Wrexham.

Both Reynolds and McElhenney have already shown vast ambition up to this point, and previous setbacks should not lead to them detracting from that.

With plenty of time remaining until the Championship season starts, Wrexham must remain optimistic and continue targeting top-level stars.

Wrexham are interested in snapping up Ben Davies and Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial situation will hopefully provide some clarity.

Wrexham have been linked with so many players and we’re only into the early stages of June.

Phil Parkinson will be looking far and wide for potential additions to his Wrexham squad as Championship life beckons.

Adding a left-footed defender appears to be on Parkinson’s radar with Wrexham allegedly keen on signing Aaron Cresswell.

Ben Davies is also on Wrexham’s radar, but confusion surrounds the Tottenham Hotspur defender’s future.

Wrexham will hope for Ben Davies clarity

The Wrexham Insider reported days ago that Wrexham had spoken to Davies to set the wheels in motion for a potential move to the STōK Cae Ras.

Sky Sports back up that report, suggesting that Wrexham have been in conversations with the defender’s representatives.

Davies is out of contract at Tottenham this summer, but Spurs hold an option to extend his deal by another year.

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Davies has admitted being unsure of his Tottenham future, given that nobody has communicated anything to him about an extension.

That may, in part, be down to the fact that Tottenham have been weighing up the future of boss Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian was sacked on Friday afternoon and a potential replacement already appears to be down the line.

Thomas Frank wants to become Spurs boss according to Fabrizio Romano, and a move for the Dane seems to be in motion.

Tottenham will hope to secure Frank’s services quickly, and that will surely accelerate a decision over Davies.

Spurs may not have wanted to keep Davies for another year if they knew Postecoglou would be leaving and a new manager would come in.

Managerial clarity will surely bring a decision on Davies very soon – and Wrexham will be in position to strike if Spurs let him go.

Why Wrexham want Ben Davies

Davies has been a Tottenham player for more than a decade now, and he does not look out of place in the Premier League at 32.

On that basis alone, Wrexham would be striking a real coup by luring Davies down to the Championship.

We would have no doubts about Davies shining in the Championship and playing a key role in Wrexham’s rise.

Davies would be an ideal fit as the left-sided centre-back in Parkinson’s back three, possessing a fine reading of the game as a defender and quality on the ball to play out from the back and support attacks as many wide centre-backs do in the modern game.

Davies is a great professional and would slot right into this Wrexham squad, so we would – rather selfishly, perhaps – hope Tottenham refuse that option on his contract.

Wrexham fans have idolised some brilliant strikers over the years, with Chris Armstrong taking a deserved place on the list.

This summer could see two Wrexham striking heroes leave the club.

Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer have been integral to Wrexham’s rise through the leagues, forming a superb partnership and banging in the goals along the way.

Sadly, Wrexham’s journey means popular players end up leaving the club as Phil Parkinson moulds his squad.

Mullin and Palmer barely featured in 2025 and may be primed for the exit as Wrexham attempt to make a big impact in the Championship.

Just as the likes of Kevin Russell, Andy Morrell and Karl Connolly moved on in years gone by, Mullin and Palmer may find that their time comes this summer.

Chris Armstrong’s rise to Wrexham stardom

Wrexham found a fine striker almost out of nowhere back in 1989.

Chris Armstrong’s rise to stardom at Wrexham is one few could replicate.

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Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Armstrong was raised by foster parents in Wales and began his footballing journey.

Wrexham fans will remember Armstrong as a striker, but he actually started out as a goalkeeper in amateur football.

Armstrong turned to an alternative career as he packed beef burgers for £30 a week, as noted by The Guardian.

The rise really started when he began playing for Llay Welfare in the lower leagues of Welsh football, attracting Wrexham’s attention.

Armstrong only scored three goals in his first season as a teenager with Wrexham, but the potential was there – and he really kicked on in his second season

Armstrong hit 13 goals across all competitions and was attracting real interest as a young talent with a bright future.

Bryan Flynn struck gold with Armstrong, who also scored in a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup tie against Lyngby in 1990.

“That has to be the highlight of my early days,” said Armstrong as he spoke to The Leader in 2019.

“Going away in Europe and scoring the winner. We then played Manchester United in the next round.

“Playing at Old Trafford for a youngster was a great experience but we also played Everton home and away in the League Cup that season too,” he added.

Sadly, Armstrong’s time at Wrexham didn’t last as long as anybody would have hoped, as Millwall pounced to snatch him away.

Armstrong’s time at the STōK Cae Ras was short and sweet, a brief showing of an exciting striker who earned his chance the hard way.

This wasn’t a complete goodbye for Armstrong, but he reached new heights after leaving North Wales.

Tottenham Hotspur forked out record fee for Chris Armstrong

Seven goals in 34 games for Millwall saw Armstrong earn a move to London rivals Crystal Palace, where the goals continued to flow.

Armstrong smashed 57 goals in 136 games for Palace, firing the Eagles to promotion in 1994.

Tottenham Hotspur then came calling, paying a then-club-record fee of £4.5million to bring Armstrong across London.

Armstrong racked up 62 goals in 173 games for Spurs, including two seasons with double figures for goals in the Premier League.

Kevin Keegan even called Armstrong into the England squad to face Poland in 1999, though he didn’t make an appearance.

Tottenham fans were on Armstrong’s back, but boss George Graham praised the striker for his mental toughness in the face of criticism.

“The decision he was faced with was whether to run away from the criticism or stand up to it,” said Graham on Tottenham’s official website.

“I thought he stood up to it magnificently and he was full of goals towards the end of the season,” he added.

Injuries started to pile up and Armstrong departed Spurs for Bolton Wanderers in 2002, where he played just once under Sam Allardyce.

Come 2003, Armstrong was back where his footballing career really took off, completing an emotional return to Wrexham.

“I came back to The Racecourse when Denis Smith was in charge,” said Armstrong, again to The Leader.

“It was good to return to a club where I had so many good memories. It was just a shame we got relegated.

“I was still struggling with the injury and in the end, I had to retire. I just wish I could have done a bit more back at the club. I always look out for their result and just hope that they’ll get back into the Football League,” he added.

Armstrong must be delighted from afar, having not only seen Wrexham rise back to the EFL but just one promotion away from the Premier League.

Wrexham have new heroes in this incredible era under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, but talents like Armstrong will live long in the memory.

Wrexham fans may need to wait a few weeks for a first summer signing, but Phil Parkinson is being linked with a host of potential additions.

The buzz around Wrexham’s transfer business is already enormous, with some huge names already linked.

Whether it’s Tom Cairney allegedly considering a Wrexham offer or Danny Ings being linked with a move to the STōK Cae Ras, the rumour mill has been churning.

Wrexham’s first summer signing last year only arrived later in June, though, as Arthur Okonkwo signed permanently from Arsenal.

Phil Parkinson doesn’t tend to jump into transfer business early in windows, and that may be the case again this summer.

Parkinson will have targets in mind, though, and Wales international Ben Davies has been linked with a move to Wrexham.

Ben Davies on Tottenham Hotspur future

Wrexham have been linked with a move for Davies, who is out of contract at Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Spurs can activate a one-year option on Davies, but they have yet to do so – sparking suggestions that he could leave.

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Davies has been a Tottenham player for 11 years now, and the former Swansea City man would be forgiven for being interested in something different.

The 32-year-old still has plenty left in the tank and will be involved as Wales take on Liechtenstein on Friday night.

Speaking to Wales Online ahead of Friday’s clash, Davies admitted that he is still in the dark over his Tottenham future.

Davies noted that the ball is firmly in Tottenham’s court, so he is just focusing on playing for Wales as things stand, with the defender left waiting.

“I don’t think there is anything to update to be honest, I don’t think I am going to be the person who is making any of those decisions, so as far as I’m concerned, it’s full focus here this week,” said Davies.

The uncertainty over Ange Postecoglou’s future surely isn’t helping here, with Davies not only unsure of his own future but also over who will be in the Spurs dugout next season.

Davies is not the only left-footed defender linked with Wrexham this summer.

Aaron Cresswell is also on Wrexham’s radar as he departs West Ham United this summer.

There are parallels between the two; usually left-backs in a back four for most of their careers, both Davies and Cresswell have become left-sided centre-backs in three-man defences.

Wrexham play with a back three, and links to both Davies and Cresswell suggest that signing a left-sided defender is a priority.

Lewis Brunt played well in that role last season, but he is a natural right-footer.

Thomas O’Connor is an option in that role, but Parkinson may be keen to add another option with real Premier League experience this summer.

Cresswell is certainly an easier deal to advance right now given that West Ham have already decided to release him, but Wrexham will be keeping close tabs on Davies and his situation at Tottenham.