Wrexham 'set for Man Utd talks' as Ryan Reynolds' club step up ambitious transfer plans

Wrexham and Stockport County are reportedly set to go head-to-head in a bid to secure the loan signing of Manchester United’s young talent, Ethan Wheatley, during the January transfer window.

The two League One clubs have been rivals since their days in the National League, with Stockport often coming out on top – they were promoted from the National League before Wrexham and won the League Two title last season.

However, Wrexham, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are determined not to lose out to Dave Challinor’s team again over Wheatley. As per The Wrexham Insider, the club is planning to bolster their attack in January as they aim for Championship promotion.

Currently, Wrexham sit second in the third tier, trailing leaders Wycombe Wanderers, while Stockport are fifth and seven points behind. Yet, Stockport may have an edge in the race for Wheatley, given that the striker was born in their town.

The local factor could tip the scales in this battle for the highly rated 18-year-old, who has been on the bench five times in the Premier League and twice in the Europa League this season.

He has made four appearances for the first team so far, with his most recent outing being a short stint under Ruud van Nistelrooy in the Carabao Cup against Leicester City.

Wheatley has been on form for the U21s this season, netting five goals in seven Premier League 2 matches. The transfer window is set to open on New Year’s Day and will close again on February 3.

It wouldn’t be the first time that the two clubs have been mentioned together regarding transfers, after ex-United youngster Matty James made the move to north Wales earlier this year.

Wrexham are desperate to keep moving through the divisions and have their eye on promotion to the Championship, with the club hopeful Wheatley can help fire them there.

Stockport, however, may be ready to match any offer Wrexham present to Wheatley with the possibility of more gametime.

They look set to lose star man Louis Barry, with Aston Villa reportedly keen to cut short his loan after an impressive spell in League One, potentially sending him to the Championship.