Revealed: Wrexham transfer targets have to pass 'value test' before joining Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's side as club director explains January window strategy

The Red Dragons continue to dazzle this season, sitting just two points off top spot in League Two with a game in hand and into the FA Cup fourth round. The contributions of summer signings Steven Fletcher and James McClean have been vital for Wrexham, but so far the club's Hollywood owners are yet to bring in any winter reinforcements. In that regard, club chief Harvey has revealed that any move must pass the club's "value test", which looks beyond the current campaign.

Wrexham's sporting director told LeaderLive: "If we ring and ask about a player, the initial demand is probably even greater than the inflated demand everybody always makes when somebody rings to try and buy one of their players. We just apply a very simple value test. Does the signing of that player add value to the football club? If the answer to that question is yes, then we generally try and sign the player.

"The value is measured in many different ways; to immediately come in and play for the first team, to be there in 12 months time, to develop and sell for a transfer fee in the future. The test isn't always the same and signing a player in January to potentially replace somebody who may leave in the summer is part of that process and we got it right in the National League. Not because we won the National League but because of where we are in League Two today. We could add specific players to strengthen what we had rather than wholesale change."

Of course, investment from the club's Hollywood owners isn't the only reason behind them eyeing back-to-back promotions. Red Dragons boss Phil Parkinson has played a vital role, both with his on-field tactics and transfer input, and Harvey urged trust in the 56-year-old's methods. He added: "In terms of contract cycles, hopefully fans can see that the way Phil approaches this and the strategy that we apply behind the scenes is to make sure that we have always got that ability to sign a player who we think can help take the club forward. We are in a position to be able to strengthen the squad in the event that we can acquire the players that pass our value test, and will help take us forward. That's a great place to be when you are sat second in the table."

While Wrexham fly high in both their league and cup competitions, Reynolds and McElhenney continue to take the acclaim off the pitch. Their iconic Welcome to Wrexham documentary won a staggering five Emmys earlier this week - a feat McElhenney's 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' sitcom has never managed after 16 seasons - as well as a nomination for the coveted PGA Awards.