Second England star linked with Wrexham transfer as James McClean left sweating

Daily Mirror

26-05-2025

Hollywood-owned Wrexham have been linked with an ambitious bid to sign a Premier League star which could potentially spell bad news for club captain James McClean
Wrexham have been linked with a move for a second England international in a deal which could leave captain James McClean sweating. The Welsh side, backed by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, were tipped last week to try and snare Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson.
Aaron Cresswell is now said to be their latest transfer target after bidding an emotional farewell to West Ham. According to ReluctantNicko via Patreon, both Wrexham and Leeds are chasing the left-back's signature ahead of his contract expiring next month.
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It's claimed that the Red Dragons hold the advantage due to their proximity to his native Merseyside and ability to offer him regular minutes. Wrexham are also said to be willing to offer an attractive financial package to the 35-year-old as manager Phil Parkinson looks to bolster his team following their recent promotion to the Championship.
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However, it could spell bad news for club skipper McClean, who currently occupies the left wing-back role. Cresswell made his final showing for West Ham on Sunday after coming on as a late substitute during their 3-1 Premier League victory over Ipswich at Portman Road.
His departure from the Hammers was announced earlier this month after spending eleven years with the club. Creswell has made 369 appearances for the East London outfit since joining from Ipswich for £3.75million in July 2014.
He was part of the squad that won the Europa Conference League in 2023 and also has three England caps to his name. Speaking after Sunday's win, Cresswell said he would always cherish his time at West Ham.
Reflecting on his heart-wrenching goodbye, he said: "It was special. I was sweating a little bit towards the end about whether I was going to get on or not, but the reception I got will live with me until the day I die.
"Every time I've worn this jersey, I'd like to think I've worn it with pride and tried to represent the club in the right way. I'm reflecting certainly over the last two weeks, and I'm just grateful for the whole journey, and we've been through so many lows and had some unbelievable highs.
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"I've said it a lot this week. These moments I'll cherish for the rest of my life. And I'll never forget these boys; the special group we've had, especially over the last four, five, or six years, has been incredible."
Jarrod Bowen was on the scoresheet in Suffolk and the West Ham captain used the occasion to pay tribute to his departing teammate. "He [Cresswell] has been a credit to himself," said Bowen. "I was asked a couple of questions before the game and even last week, and since the news came out that he was leaving.
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"You wouldn't have known, and I think that's a credit to Cress himself, the way that he applies himself every single day in training, and he's such a big character at this club and will be remembered forever.
"We go to Manchester United away, and he puts in a man of the match performance there, and then against Nottingham Forest as well, he comes out with another strong performance. And I think, for me, that's one of the biggest things that Cress can look at himself and wear with pride.
"Today he got the moment that I think he thoroughly deserved, against the club that we signed him from and finishing in front of our fans that he's also played in front of for eleven years. For me, it's been a pleasure to be in the dressing room with Cress and to be a teammate and a friend as well."
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