Wycombe Wanderers leading Barnsley & Huddersfield Town in transfer chase for Lincoln City man | OneFootball

Wycombe Wanderers are emerging as frontrunners to sign Paudie O'Connor on a free transfer from Lincoln City this summer.

Wycombe Wanderers are ‘leading the race’ to sign Paudie O’Connor on a free transfer as his contract with Lincoln City runs down, according to reports.

The centre-back joined the Imps in 2022 having impressed at Bradford, and he has been a key figure for the League One side in recent years.

However, despite Lincoln’s best efforts to keep O’Connor, his contract is set to expire later this month, so it’s now inevitable that he will be on the move.

Paudie O’Connor transfer latest as Wycombe push to seal deal

As you would expect, there has been plenty of interest in the Irishman, with FLW exclusively revealing in May that Huddersfield and Barnsley were tracking the 27-year-old.

However, it appears Wycombe are emerging as the front-runners to sign O’Connor, with reporter Pete O’Rourke stating they are at the front of the queue as it stands to get a deal done - although there’s still plenty of interest in the player.

Unnamed Championship clubs are also reportedly keen on the services of the 27-year-old, but Chairboys head coach Mike Dodds is looking to close a deal to land the services of the ex-Leeds United man at Adams Park.

Paudie O’Connor would be a shrewd addition for Wycombe Wanderers if they can get deal over the line

O’Connor is a very attractive option for clubs in the EFL this season due to his contract situation, and it’s no surprise that there is plenty of interest.

The former Leeds man has been a strong, consistent performer for Lincoln over the years, so Wycombe will know what they’re getting.

Some may see this as a surprise, as O’Connor has been linked with Championship clubs in the past, and it’s questionable how big a step up Wycombe are from Lincoln.

Nevertheless, that shows it would be good business for the Chairboys if they could finalise this deal, as you would expect O’Connor to be an important player for Mike Dodds next season.

After suffering a play-off heartbreak against Charlton, the plan for Wycombe will be to go one better next season, but they know they will need to recruit well.

Caleb Taylor will return to West Brom after an excellent loan spell, and the dominant defender will be missed, so O’Connor would be the perfect replacement as he boasts many similar qualities to the 22-year-old.