Wrexham AFC must take advantage of Portsmouth contract situation: View | OneFootball

Phil Parkinson should pounce following Pompey's failure to offer fresh terms to Joe Morrell.

It's been all quiet on the transfer front at Wrexham AFC since the end of the 2023/24 season after they gained promotion to League One.

There has been a slow trickle of news surrounding current players from the Racecourse this week, with veteran striker Steven Fletcher and goalkeeper Mark Howard extending their contracts for a further year.

However, as far as bringing fresh faces in is concerned, Phil Parkinson appears happy to bide his time.

Rumours surrounding one possible target have reared their head again, with The News linking the Red Dagons with a move for Portsmouth midfielder Joe Morrell.

It follows Pompey's failure to offer the 27-year-old fresh terms, despite ongoing talks with the Wales international.

Parkinson should swoop to take advantage of the situation and bring him to North Wales.

Morrell stuck in limbo as no deal offered

It's been seven weeks since Morrell was first informed by Portsmouth that they would not be taking up the option to extend his current deal.

He's received mixed messages since then, with manager John Mousinho insisting he rates the midfielder highly and talks continuing with the player's representatives over fresh terms.

Mousinho said: "That is something which is still ongoing between the agent and the football club. We’ll probably have an update later on, closer to pre-season.

"Joe is a fantastic player, I think there are some areas we have to make sure we get right. It’s just about getting that balance right."

Morrell is still training with Pompey as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained last season.

But his contract is due to expire at the end of this month and interest from other clubs is now reported to be hotting up - with The Sun's Phil Cadden reporting there is interest from QPR, Birmingham City, and Wrexham.

Morrell would be perfect marquee signing for Parkinson

After achieving back-to-back promotions at Wrexham, Parkinson will need to strengthen his squad if they want to challenge again in League One.

As per the Athletic, midfield is one area where the former Sunderland and Bolton boss is looking to bolster his options.

It follows the club previously being linked with a move for ex-Rotherham United man Jamie Lindsay.

Morrell would fit the bill perfectly for Parkinson if he wanted to make a marquee signing in the middle of the park.

He made 27 appearances for the Blues in League One last season, despite the knee injury he suffered in January ruling him out for the second half of the campaign.

He has been a key man for Portsmouth for the last few years and can play either as a holding midfielder or in a box-to-box role.

Morrell boasts an impressive passing range and provides a hardworking presence which Wrexham are lacking following the departure of Luke Young, who joined League Two outfit Cheltenham Town this week.

He's a name supporters will be familiar with from international games and securing his signature over the likes of League One rivals Birmingham would make a big statement.

For those reasons, it's a move that Parkinson should definitely pursue to kick-start their summer business in earnest.