Wrexham agree record transfer but it may not be enough for Premier League star
Wrexham have struck a blockbuster deal worth £5million with Nottingham Forest for Lewis O'Brien - but they are struggling to meet the midfielder's wage demands.
The Championship newcomers are ready to splash the cash on quality additions to their squad after clinching three consecutive promotions. And after wrapping up deals for Ryan Hardie and Danny Ward, they are now keen on beefing up their midfield with a Championship proven performer in O'Brien.
Forest are willing to sell the 26-year-old after sending him out on loan to Swansea last season.
And although Wrexham have agreed terms with Forest on a package worth £5m in total for O'Brien's services, they are some way off the figures that the player is seeking when it comes to personal terms.
For that reason, as first reported by The Sun, the deal - which would smash Wrexham's transfer record - remains in doubt.
There has been no shortage of interest in O'Brien, who would be a major coup for Wrexham if they can reach an agreement on figures for the midfield maestro.
Hull City have also been linked with the former Huddersfield Town man. But with the Tigers now under an embargo which means they cannot pay a transfer fee for a player until 2027, they are no longer in the running to land O'Brien.
While it remains to be seen if O'Brien will be lining up for the team bankrolled by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds next season, Wrexham are expected to strengthen in other areas before the new Championship season kicks off.
They have already been linked with a host of quality players including Tom Cairney, the veteran Fulham midfielder whose contract expired at the end of June.
Former England duo Danny Ings and Aaron Cresswell have also been linked with moves to Wrexham as the club eye up targets with extensive experience.
Phil Parkinson hinted previously that the club were keen to add more athleticism and power to the squad following their latest promotion, telling ESPN: "We're going into one of the most competitive leagues in world football. Not just European football, in world football. It's a relentless league.
"We're the only team in the league that's never played in the top flight in its history, so we're against some great clubs. As you go up the divisions in England, the technical ability improves, but the athleticism and the power are things where you can significantly see the difference."
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