Exclusive: Wrexham backed to strike £7.5m Will Smallbone, Southampton agreement - he'd bring "directional change" | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Don Goodman has been discussing Wrexham's interest in Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone.

Don Goodman believes that the potential signing of Will Smallbone would present Wrexham with an option to change their style as they continue to adapt to Championship life.

The Red Dragons' recent rise from the National League to the second-tier in rapid fashion has been well-documented, with the Welsh club continuing to be linked with some eye-catching potential transfer moves as we close in on next Monday's 7PM deadline.

Phil Parkinson has already recruited several names who provide a wealth of experience at this level, such as Danny Ward, Conor Coady, Lewis O'Brien, Josh Windass, Ryan Hardie and Kieffer Moore.

This business, which has seen them spend over £23m on incomings, has led to many believing that Wrexham can easily consolidate in the Championship for the first time since 1982, despite a slow start to the season on the pitch, accumulating just one point from their first three games against the Saints, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday.

However, in a bid to change their fortunes, Goodman believes that Parkinson is likely to become more adaptable as the campaign progresses, making the potential addition of the Republic of International a no-brainer.

Don Goodman issues Will Smallbone verdict amid £7.5m, Wrexham transfer talk

It was reported on Sunday by Alan Nixon that the Red Dragons had tabled bids for Smallbone alongside fellow central midfielders, Jordan James and Andy Irving.

An offer of £7.5m has been put on the table for Smallbone, with the club hoping to learn the outcome of this potential move in the coming days.

The 25-year-old is known for being a progressive, technically-gifted ball-playing midfielder with over 85 appearances at Championship level to call upon, and Goodman would be impressed if they were able to recruit his services regardless of the hefty fee touted.

"Wrexham have spent an awful lot of money, and I think the opening few games of the Championship have probably opened up the eyes of the fans and owners, but more importantly, the coaching staff," the Sky Sports pundit exclusively told Football League World.

"I do think that Phil Parkinson knew that it wasn't going to be straightforward bringing Wrexham from the National League up to the Championship.

"It almost feels like, with some of the players they've been linked with and that they want to sign, that he recognises that the style of football that got them through the leagues will not prevail in the Championship," Goodman claimed.

"To that extent, Will Smallbone would be a little bit of a directional change. He's a ball-playing midfielder, so if that's the avenue Wrexham are going to go down, then I really rate Will Smallbone, particularly at Championship level.

"This, absolutely, would be a decent signing," he concluded.

Will Smallbone capture could hinge on Wrexham's aims of signing Jordan James from Stade Rennais

Whilst Smallbone would represent yet another solid signing for Parkinson, it could hinge on the club's ability to see James return to the Championship, a year after he departed then-relegated Birmingham City for Rennes.

Nixon also claims that Wrexham have the potential to outbid Serie A side Parma and newly-relegated Ipswich Town for the Welsh international after it was reported by L'Équipe that they and Rennes were in discussions over a deal reportedly in the region of €5m.

Both players are known for their strong ability on the ball and have a similar return of goal contributions at this level, albeit Smallbone offers more experience in terms of overall career appearances, which is a theme which runs through the spine of this Wrexham team.

However, as Goodman alluded to, the potential signing of the 13-time international could point towards much-needed tactical tweaks, as his attributes would suit a side dominant in possession, rather than the direct style which has served Parkinson well in previous campaigns at lower levels.