Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's Wrexham eye Leeds Utd's Patrick Bamford despite obvious transfer 'gamble'

Former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown claims that Wrexham are keeping tabs on the 31-year-old, along with several other Championship teams. Despite the one-time England international having a string of injuries in recent years, Brown believes the Welsh outfit are prepared to take that "gamble" on his fitness.

"Wrexham are interested in signing Bamford," he told Football Insider. "They see him as a player who can add that extra bit of experience and quality to their team. He’s certainly not a Premier League player at this stage of his career, the manager knows that and that’s why Leeds are looking to let him go. His injury history over the last couple of years has been a concern as well. In the Championship, you’re playing so many games, you have to be fit enough to do that. For a team like Wrexham, I think they’ll be prepared to take a gamble on his fitness. They’ve just been promoted and want to bring in players to help them bridge that gap, and for that you need experience, with Bamford has plenty of. I know a few Championship clubs are looking at him, though, so they’re not alone. Wrexham are going to be ambitious and think they can tempt him to join them so I’d expect something to happen before the transfer window closes."

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham have made a number of statement signings as they get ready for the new Championship season. They have reportedly broken their transfer record to sign left-back Liberato Cacace and midfielder Lewis O'Brien, while attacking midfielder Josh Windass, striker Ryan Hardie and midfielder George Thomason are shrewd acquisitions. They arguably need more forwards, and Bamford - who scored 17 Premier League goals in the 2020/21 season - could fit the bill if he's fit, which is a big if.

Bamford, who was told by Leeds boss Daniel Farke that he is not part of their plans as they prepare for life in the Premier League next season, has just over a month to secure a summer exit. But his high wages may make it difficult for Championship teams to afford him.