Wayne Rooney has been warned that he will not get everything his own way in his pursuit of one of Wrexham’s star performers Elliot Lee, as reported in The Mirror.
Manchester United’s record goalscorer has endured a terrible start to his time as Birmingham manager having lost four of his first five games, picking up only one point from the 15 available. In an attempt to address this slide, Rooney is reportedly in the market for reinforcements with one of those being the Wrexham midfielder Elliot Lee.
Lee was a key player in the Red Dragons gaining promotion last season in the memorable National League title race, finding the net 12 times following his move from Luton Town and has continued that excellent form with 10 goals in his opening 17 League Two outings for Phil Parkinson’s side.
Lee’s side are currently searching for a successive promotion, sitting only behind Stockport County in the tightly contested top five of the League Two table and head to Accrington Stanley on Saturday looking for a sixth straight win. The former West Ham youngster is a huge part of the Wrexham team and their push-up the table, having been involved in over one-third of their goals this season.
It is this form that is said to be attracting Rooney’s attention but former England man Carlton Palmer doesn’t believe the transfer will be a straightforward one for the Championship club. The former Sheffield Wednesday midfield man believes that Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney may play hardball when it comes to any offer for one of their star men.
Palmer, speaking to Football League World, said, “In my opinion, Lee is a Championship level player playing in a lower division, so it’s no surprise to me that he’s attracting the attention of Championship clubs.” However, the 18-cap international added that securing Lee’s signature won’t be easy. He added, “However, Championship clubs would have to make an unrefusable offer as Wrexham are ambitious, financially backed and under no pressure to sell.”
The former Stockport manager is unconvinced that the Wrexham man will want a move to St Andrew’s and will favour staying in Wales to achieve a second promotion, “I’d be surprised if Lee wanted to leave Wrexham at this point, as they are on a mission and are looking to complete back-to-back promotions. I think Birmingham will have to look elsewhere.”
Writer’s View
Lee’s exceptional form for Wrexham means it comes as no surprise that clubs higher up the footballing ladder are taking an interest, particularly a Birmingham side who are in a slump and need someone to help turn their fortunes around.
Had their target been at a different League Two club, the Blues may have been able to do a deal and secure his signature. However, Wrexham do not need the financial gains a transfer like this would provide and are challenging for a successive promotion with Lee a driving force and would be reluctant to lose him mid-season.
As Palmer said, it would take an unbelievable offer from City for Wrexham to consider letting their talisman leave the STōK Cae Ras at this point of their journey.
A primary school teacher turned writer, Tom has been part of The Real EFL for two years. He focuses on predictions, deep dives, and insightful content.
