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Wrexham are looking to show ambition after winning promotion from League One, but EFL Analysis understands that a move for Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is increasingly unlikely.
Wrexham won promotion from League One in 2024/25, finishing behind record-breakers Birmingham City in the table.
As such, the Red Dragons have ambitions to leave their mark in the Championship and battle some established clubs for signings.
It was revealed recently that Wrexham were willing to pay Tom Cairney £50k-a-week to sign him from Fulham, but the 34-year-old has since been offered a new contract at Craven Cottage.
Wrexham have also been linked with Aaron Cresswell, whose contract at West Ham United expires this month. Meanwhile, Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has also been on their radar.
Patrick Bamford’s stance on leaving Leeds United amid Wrexham links
Bamford won promotion to the Premier League with Leeds last term, but he made zero starts under Daniel Farke and featured 17 times from the bench.
With Leeds looking to invest heavily this summer in an attempt to stay in the top-flight, the English striker will be pushed further down the pecking order, resulting in rumours surrounding his exit.
Wrexham are one of several eyeing an ambitious move for the 31-year-old, however, EFL Analysis can reveal Bamford is in no hurry to leave Elland Road and his £70k-a-week wages, as per Capology, could prove to be a problem.
Speaking to our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, he said: “For Patrick Bamford, what makes it very difficult is his contract. He’s on a big contract at Leeds, so it all comes down to that; we’ll have to see with him. I think with Bamford it’s a tough one.
“I don’t think he’s in a massive hurry to go, I’ll be honest. He does back himself. He’s in the Premier League, and you’re a long time out of the Premier League when you retire or when you leave. I think he’s going to have options and we’ll see, but I don’t necessarily think he needs this to be done quickly.”
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Wrexham could look at a Championship free agent
Wrexham are prepared to splash the cash this summer, and while supporters will expect some aggressive spending, there are a number of Championship free agents on the market.
Of course, Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy is on that list, but another striker available to Phil Parkinson is Emil Riis Jakobsen.
The 26-year-old is set to leave Preston North End once his contract expires at the end of this month and wants to join a side with promotion ambitions.
Sheffield United and Coventry City have been linked with Jakobsen, who scored 12 Championship goals last term, but Wrexham should join the race for his signature.
Parkinson needs some Championship-level firepower in his forward line next season, especially with Paul Mullin set to leave, and Jakobsen is a bargain option on a free transfer.