Wrexham AFC lead Rangers in race to sign West Ham star Andy Irving | OneFootball

Wrexham are looking to continue making eye-catching deals in the latter stages of the transfer window

Wrexham are reportedly leading SPFL giants Rangers in the race to sign West Ham United midfielder, Andy Irving.

The Red Dragons are now in the thick of their first season at Championship level for 43 years, and as a result of their ever-growing popularity and attention, are looking to continue making waves in what has been a record-breaking transfer window for the newly-promoted outfit.

Phil Parkinson's side have got off to a difficult start on the pitch with defeats against freshly relegated Southampton and West Bromwich Albion, but are still showing no signs of making up the numbers, as the North Wales outfit look to make an immediate mark on the division.

And, after smashing their transfer record to acquire Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town and talks of a deal imminent for Callum Doyle of Manchester City, Wrexham are looking to financially outmuscle the Scottish giants in the race for Irving's services.

Wrexham AFC lead Rangers FC in transfer battle for West Ham midfielder Andy Irving

Irving has been at the London Stadium since September 2023, joining the side from the capital from Austrian outfit, Austria Klagenfurt in bizzare fashion, as his transfer was confirmed by the Austrian FA following the striking of a seven-figure agreement.

The former Hearts academy graduate has since gone on to make just 12 appearances for the Hammers in the following two years, which included an eight-minute substitute cameo in the opening-day 3-0 defeat against Sunderland last weekend.

Irving has also been linked with a return to his home country, less than two months after making his senior debut for Scotland in a 4-0 friendly success away to Liechtenstein on June 9th, with Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers both interested in a move for the 25-year-old.

It was reported by the Scotsman last week that Russell Martin's new club had renewed their interest after circling around his signature in January, whilst FC Koln, Stuttgart, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Sturm Graz and unnamed Serie A clubs were also said to be keen.

However, on Wednesday night, after initially revealing the Red Dragons' interest in the Edinburgh-born man, Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider claimed that the second-tier outfit had edged in front of the Ibrox club in this particular transfer race, and are now looking to convince Irving to make the move to the Stok Cae Ras.

Andy Irving would be yet another shrewd signing for Wrexham AFC in new-look midfield

It seems rather obvious that Parkinson is targeting further quality and depth in his midfield after previously bolstering this particular department with the signings of Lewis O'Brien - who scored his first goal for the club last weekend - and George Thomason, and Irving would be yet another potentially shrewd addition.

Despite not being able to show the West Ham faithful his full potential and capabilities on a regular basis, his previous record in the Austrian Bundesliga with Klagenfurt was rather impressive, racking up a total of 16 goals and 14 assists in 64 appearances after also accumulating 13 assists at Hearts after progressing through the Tynecastle ranks.

However, it remains to be seen what effect a potential deal for Irving has on another eye-catching transfer raid for the Welsh side, who are also interested in signing former Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James, who currently plies his trade in Ligue 1 with Rennes.

Regardless, this is yet another transfer raid which showcases the pulling power Wrexham currently have at their disposal due to the well-documented investment from Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and it would certainly aid many people's predictions that Parkinson's men will be able to eventually find their feet in the division.