Wrexham AFC must push the boat out to beat Bolton, Derby and Plymouth to summer signing: View | OneFootball

The Red Dragons have been linked with a move for Luton's John McAtee and should make signing him a priority.

Wrexham AFC boss Phil Parkinson has recently indicated that he has yet to finish his transfer business this summer.

The 56-year-old has so far brought in five players during the transfer window as the Red Dragons prepare for life back in League One.

However, despite the additions of Arthur Okonkwo, Lewis Brunt, George Dobson, Callum Burton and Sebastian Revan, Parkinson is still keen for more.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “At the moment, we have a lot of work to do in terms of our recruitment to make us competitive.

“Every season you have to start with the aim of being at the top. I liaise with the owners all the time about what I feel we need to be competitive. We are not quite there yet.”

As per HITC, one player who Wrexham are keen on is Luton Town attacker John McAtee, with the Hatters reportedly open to selling him.

Red Dragons face stiff competition for McAtee's signature

Bringing McAtee to North Wales won't be easy for Wrexham, even with their increased spending power under owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Among the clubs also said to be chasing his signature are Championship sides Plymouth Argyle, Blackburn Rovers, and Millwall, as well as Derby County and Portsmouth.

Meanwhile, last season's defeated League One play-off finalists Bolton Wanderers are also believed to be keen.

While things haven't worked out for McAtee at Luton, where he’s yet to play a competitive game, he was highly impressive on loan at Barnsley last season.

The 24-year-old scored 12 goals for the Reds in the third tier, as well as registering five assists.

Of course, Wrexham fans will already be familiar with him after he scored Grimsby Town's first goal in a 5-4 victory over the Red Dragons in the National League play-off semi-final in 2022.

It was a stunning strike and a result which left supporters heartbroken at the time, as the Mariners went on to win promotion at Wrexham's expense.

However, all will surely be forgiven if he joins Parkinson's team and helps them challenge in League One.

Parkinson may have to move players on to accommodate attacker

Wrexham already have an abundance of riches in attack, including Paul Mullin, Elliot Lee, Steven Fletcher, Ollie Palmer and Jack Marriott.

Despite this, there are question marks over whether three of their forwards in Sam Dalby, Jake Bickerstaff and Billy Waters are of the necessary standard to play in the third tier.

If Parkinson does want to bring McAtee to the club, then he will have to make room in his squad, whether that means sending players who are surplus to requirements out on loan or moving them on permanently.

It's been a couple of years since Wrexham's transfer record was last broken after they bought Ollie Palmer in January 2022 for a reported fee of £300,000.

Newly relegated Birmingham City have already gone on a spending spree this summer, with the Blues reportedly set to beat Wrexham to the signing of highly rated Brighton midfielder Marc Leonard.

It follows journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing that a deal worth up to £500,000 is set to go through.

It suggests the Red Dragons are no longer the biggest fish in the pod in terms of their finances, with Birmingham currently firm favourites with the bookies to lift the League One title.

However, splashing the cash to make McAtee their statement signing would show Wrexham's willingness to compete.

Achieving promotion for a third year in a row will be very difficult for Parkinson's side, but bringing the attacker in could be just the ticket to help them reach their goal.