Championship sides Stoke City and Preston North End have set their sights on Wrexham to bolster their team in the January transfer window.
The pair sit close to each other in the Championship table, occupying 14th (Preston) and 15th (Stoke), with just one point separating the two. Their activity at the start of the season did not signify this type of position at this stage, with Preston on their third manager already, including interim, and the Potters having been busy in the transfer window.
After impressive signings in the summer, Stoke have left much to be desired, picking up just three wins in the league. A two-goal collapse in two minutes at home to Bristol City saw them play out their third draw of the season. That result is very much against the run of play after their opponents peppered their goal with almost 30 shots.
Wrexham star sparks Championship battle.
Much of the talk at Wrexham has been on either Paul Mullin or the Hollywood ownership, but one player who has not been talked about as much is Ryan Barnett. After a spell with Solihull Moors, he earned a move to the Dragons and never looked back, playing his part in their consecutive promotions.
According to The Telegraph, while his praise has been quiet compared to some of his teammates, it has not escaped everyone as Stoke and Preston set their sights on the defender who has played a starring role for Phil Parkinson’s side this campaign.
There is a strong belief amongst many that Barnett is a player who can continue to elevate his game and play at a higher level, as proven by the fact that second-tier sides are already looking at signing him.
Stoke will be looking to improve their squad depth in defence, but statistics from last night show the need for first-team defenders if they are allowing 28 shots on goal in a home fixture.
Should Barnett leave Wrexham?
With Championship sides looking at potentially signing him in January, it would be easy to think the defender would be saying his goodbyes in the winter window. However, much like Barnett, Wrexham are tipped to go to the very top, and while second-tier football is on the cards, it may already be destined for Wrexham, who look to secure a third consecutive promotion.
The only concern for the side would be their lack of a striker after injuries to Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher, leaving Parkinson admitting he will look to the free-agent market to strengthen their numbers in attack.
Barnett currently sits atop the assist rankings in the third tier, and comments he has made in the past do not signify a player who has any intention of leaving his current club. With the rise of Wrexham, the 25-year-old may find more success in the Championship with his current club if they are to earn promotion, something in which he could play a part, having done so twice before.