Wrexham set for shock European football opportunity with 'transformational' talks opened for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's side to enter cup competition

Per BBC Sport, Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham, and Newport County are in talks with the Welsh FA over potentially entering the Welsh League Cup, which is known as the Nathaniel MG Cup. The Welsh League Cup winners qualify for the Europa Conference League - The New Saints have reached the league phase this year - and the clubs who currently play in England are in discussions over entering the competition, as they look for a route into Europe.

The four clubs would continue to play in England's league system, but they would forfeit the ability to qualify for Europe via English cup competitions, such as the FA Cup and League Cup. The Welsh FA are said to be in favour of the change, as they aim to improve their coefficient ranking, of which they are currently ranked 50th of 55, while other Welsh clubs would welcome the opportunity to play the quartet.

The top divisions in San Marino, Gibraltar, Andorra, Belarus, and North Macedonia are the only leagues in Europe ranked worse than the JD Cymru Premier League. But consistent qualification to the Conference League's group phase would likely see their ranking improve drastically.

Talks will continue as Wrexham, Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport aim to discover a route into European competition. Wrexham are currently sitting second in League Two, with a tricky away fixture against Stevenage next on the cards for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side.