Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham could be handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford. The Welsh side are gearing up to play in the Championship next season after securing an astonishing third consecutive promotion in April.

Wrexham have already been linked with a whole host of big names this summer as they look to improve their squad, including Leicester legend Jamie Vardy and Fulham captain Tom Cairney. Bamford is also claimed to be on the club's target list, and a positive development has now emerged which could open the door for the forward, who has one England cap to his name, to move to North Wales. Leeds are eagerly pursuing proven Premier League strikers after being promoted from the second tier last term.

Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz is the number one target for Daniel Farke's side, who had a bid worth a total of £32million turned down last week, as per the Standard. While their initial attempt to sign the Brazilian was unsuccessful, it could spell the end of Bamford's time at Elland Road in the long run, with a large number of new faces expected to join this summer.

The 31-year-old has another year left on his contract, but could be allowed to leave after struggling for fitness last season. Bamford did not start a single game in the Championship, appearing off the bench 17 times without scoring.

However, his experience could be useful for Wrexham as they look to establish themselves in the second tier. The Red Dragons have already signed one striker in the close season after bringing in Plymouth's Ryan Hardie for an undisclosed fee.

There could still be space for Bamford, though, with Wrexham talisman Paul Mullin leaving the club on Monday to join Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan deal. More outgoings are also expected as Parkinson looks to reshuffle his options up front.

Wrexham talent spotter Les Reed recently provided an insight into the sort of players the club is looking for this summer. The former Charlton Athletic manager set out Wrexham's position during an interview with the i Paper.

"In the Championship, they [new signings] will need to be athletic," said Reed. "It's not swansong land for players who are having one more go before they retire. Our ambition will be to drive the average age down, but at the same time remain competitive.

"We can't just go 'that's it, we're only going for younger players'. A couple of clubs recently - and I won't mention their names - have done that, and it hasn't worked. It will be a mix."

Reed also set the out reality of Wrexham's spending power, adding: "We will have a decent budget. Everyone externally thinks we've got an unlimited budget because of our owners, but that's not true. We'll have a good budget simply because we've got very good revenues.

"That's the benefit of the owners. It's not their deep pockets, it's their ability to generate higher revenues, which enables us to spend within the regulations and [offer] decent salaries."

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