'Best news ever' - Wrexham fans celebrate as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side secure future of highly-rated defender Max Cleworth

The 21-year-old, who has been billed as a Premier League star of the future, has signed a three-year deal through to 2027. He has helped the Red Dragons to back-to-back promotions – as Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney make dreams come true in North Wales – with 99 appearances reached in total.

Cleworth has told the club’s official website of committing to fresh terms: “I’m delighted and I wanted to get the contract signed as soon as possible because the club is going in one direction, and I want to be part of the plan going forwards. I’ve developed and matured as a player, I’m mentally stronger and I’m looking forward to developing that further with the club.”

Manager Phil Parkinson added: “Max has been on a great journey with us so far and I’ve really enjoyed watching him develop as a player. He’s a player with a huge potential and it’s important to keep our up-and-coming players with the club.”

Wrexham fans are delighted to see the club’s two-time Young Player of the Year staying put, with @kevwrexham1974 saying on social media: “Best news ever”. Those sentiments were echoed by @RichFay, who said: “Best bit of business we’ll do all summer.” Sticking with that theme, and @ DaveEdWxm added: “Massive signing and signal of intent from the club.... great news Max has had a superb season.”

Reynolds and McElhenney continue to make the funds available for deals to get done this summer. Arthur Okonkwo is back at SToK Racecourse on a permanent basis, Lewis Brunt has been snapped up from Leicester and Cleworth joins George Evans in signing a new contract.

Wrexham are preparing to head off on another pre-season tour of North America – which star striker Paul Mullin will miss after undergoing surgery – before kicking off their 2024-25 campaign in League One with a home date against Wycombe on August 10.