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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WHAT HAPPENED? Don Bircham, whose travel agency – Hays Travel – is set to fly Wrexham fans to the club’s pre-season tour in the USA this month, was all praises for the club’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and hailed them for uplifting the club’s stature since taking over in 2020.
WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking to The Athletic, Birchan said, “Who would have thought we would be organising pre-season trips to the United States for Wrexham supporters and they’d be playing Manchester United? Not so long ago, pre-season was Aberystwyth and places like that. Or maybe at a push Northern Ireland, as in the year Denis invited me. Nothing like this. What these guys have achieved over the last couple of years is fantastic. They have taken Wrexham to a level that is beyond anyone’s expectations.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Bircham stepped down from the CEO’s role at Wrexham in 2016 to focus on his other business. He currently owns a chain of restaurants and pubs along with his travel agency business.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
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WHAT NEXT? The Red Dragons will play their first friendly match in the US against Chelsea on July 19 following which they will take on LA Galaxy II, Manchester United and Philadelphia Union.
