Wrexham now face Birmingham City fight in race to sign ‘brilliant’ Premier League midfielder

Wrexham are exploring moves for a number of left-footed midfielders but may now face competition from Birmingham City.

Phil Parkinson has a new striker in his ranks after Wrexham completed the signing of Ryan Hardie last Monday.

The attention will now turn to further additions, and Wrexham appear to be focusing on left-footed midfielders.

Wrexham are well-stocked with right-footed midfielders, leaving Parkinson to consider bringing in some balance to his engine room.

Fulham captain Tom Cairney is considering an offer from Wrexham, and Parkinson has eyed Reading’s Charlie Savage.

Barry Bannan is also on Wrexham’s radar, and it’s no coincidence that so many left-footed midfielders have been linked this summer.

• READ MORE: Wrexham’s old foes offer surprise challenge as Phil Parkinson attempts to secure ‘exceptional’ signing

Birmingham City rival Wrexham for Lewis O’Brien

Another name in the mix is Nottingham Forest’s Lewis O’Brien.

Wrexham are keen on O’Brien, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Championship side Swansea City.

O’Brien has been hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Lee Trundle but has no future at Forest, and Birmingham City are now rivalling Wrexham’s pursuit.

The Sun’s Alan Nixon reports that Birmingham are now interested in signing O’Brien in a permanent deal.

Southampton are also keen to take O’Brien on a full-time basis, following a string of loan moves in the Championship and MLS.

Forest are yet to decide a transfer fee, but O’Brien will be available in a permanent move, three years after joining from Nottingham Forest.

Birmingham are also keen on Craig Dawson, meaning Wrexham may face a couple of transfer battles with the Blues.

• READ MORE: Liverpool’s Owen Beck can follow in his legendary family member’s footsteps by completing Wrexham transfer

Wrexham’s midfield pursuit somewhat complicated

Wrexham are keen on so many left-footed midfielders, but actually signing them could be a little tricky.

Cairney is weighing up staying at Fulham, having been offered a new deal to extend his lengthy stay at Craven Cottage.

Wrexham are not alone in the race for Savage, with the Reading midfielder also wanted by Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth and – surprise, surprise – Birmingham City.

Bannan also has other interest, with Coventry City, Derby County and Stoke City all chasing the Sheffield Wednesday midfielder.

O’Brien now has plenty of interest, and Wrexham may need to play a waiting game as targets weigh up their futures.

All four are quality players and are receiving understandable interest, but Parkinson will have confidence that he can land at least one of his top midfield targets this summer.

Wrexham’s old foes offer surprise challenge as Phil Parkinson attempts to secure ‘exceptional’ signing

Wrexham are keen to sign free agent Tom Lawrence after leaving Rangers, but face surprise competition for his signature.

Wrexham have made one signing this summer, and supporters are already looking for more additions to Phil Parkinson’s squad.

Ryan Hardie joined Wrexham from Plymouth Argyle on Monday as Parkinson activated a relegation release clause in his contract.

Wrexham have paid just £700,000 for Hardie, landing a proven Championship striker in a bargain move.

That is an encouraging start for Wrexham, but Parkinson will seek further additions ahead of the Championship season.

Creative quality from midfield could be a priority, and speculation surrounding Tom Lawrence just won’t go away.

• READ MORE: Birmingham City now battling Wrexham in race to sign released Premier League defender on free transfer

Wrexham face surprise competition for Tom Lawrence

Speculation back in April suggested Wrexham wanted to sign Lawrence if Parkinson secured promotion to the Championship.

Wrexham clinched a third straight promotion, and Rangers released Lawrence at the end of his contract.