Wrexham are closing in on the signature of Burnley centre-back Joe Worrall as Phil Parkinson's side continue to bolster their squad in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
Worrall, 28, began his career at Nottingham Forest, where he came through the academy and went on to make 226 appearances for his hometown club. He enjoyed a standout campaign in 2020-21 when he was named Forest's player of the season, before playing a key role the following year in helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs. That season, he was also included in the Championship's team of the year for 2021-22.
During his time at Forest, Worrall also gained experience away from the City Ground with loan spells at Dagenham & Redbridge, Rangers and Turkish side Besiktas. His stint in Turkey proved fruitful, as he lifted the Turkish Cup with Besiktas in the 2023-24 season. That success helped pave the way for a permanent move to Burnley last summer, where he has since made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Clarets.
Should the move to the Racecourse Ground go through, it could have significant implications for Wrexham's squad, particularly for Conor Coady. The former Leicester City man, who has ten England caps to his name, joined Wrexham last summer but has yet to feature in any of the club's four matchday squads this season across all competitions. Worrall's expected arrival may accelerate Coady's departure from the Welsh club.
Wrexham are also expected to see further squad movement before the window closes, with Elliot Lee, Harry Ashfield and Aaron James among those who could leave the club either on loan or on a permanent basis within the next 48 hours.
The potential signing of Worrall adds to what has already been a busy summer of recruitment for Wrexham as they look to strengthen for the challenges of Championship football. The club has already brought in goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, along with wing-backs Danny Imray, Issa Kabore and Jacques Ekomie, as well as central midfielder Ben Whiteman. Parkinson's side may not be finished there, with reports suggesting an additional forward could also arrive before the transfer deadline.
The flurry of incoming and outgoing activity reflects the scale of the rebuild taking place at Wrexham as the club adjusts to life in a higher division following their rapid rise through the English football pyramid. Adding a proven, experienced defender like Worrall, who has previously tasted both promotion and continental cup success, would represent a significant boost to Parkinson's defensive options as the season progresses.
Attention will soon turn back to on-field matters, with Wrexham due to return to Championship action away at Millwall on Wednesday evening, kicking off at 19:45 BST. The club will be hoping any incoming deals are wrapped up in time to allow new arrivals to settle in as the season gathers pace.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.