Wrexham 'make approach' for England international and ex-Premier League captain

Wrexham are plotting an ambitious swoop for former Wolves captain and England international Conor Coady as they set their sights on the Premier League, according to reports. Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have signalled that they do not plan to stay in the Championship for long with their business so far this summer.

Wrexham have broken their club transfer record twice since earning a third consecutive promotion, first for Empoli left-back Liberato Cacace in a £2million deal. Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien followed the New Zealand international through the door for a fee that could rise to £5m.

The Red Dragons are about to break it for a third time as they close in on a £7.5m swoop for Ipswich Town forward Nathan Broadhead, who previously played in the club's academy.

An audacious push for Coady is reportedly next on the agenda as Phil Parkinson continues to mould a team capable of instantly challenging for that golden ticket to the top flight.

According to the Daily Mail, Coady is set to leave Leicester City this summer after their instant relegation back down to the Championship.

Wrexham are said to be among the frontrunners for his signature, having impressed him with their rapid progress and vision.

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The report adds that Reynolds and McElhenney are being aggressive in the transfer market after agreeing to target Premier League promotion by 2027.

Coady has amassed 198 Premier League appearances throughout his career, representing Wolves, Everton and Leicester.

The 32-year-old captained Wolves to two seventh-place finishes and a run to the Europa League quarter-finals.

Coady has earned 10 caps for England and was a part of Gareth Southgate's squads for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

While the veteran is widely expected to depart Leicester in the coming weeks, he still has 11 months left on his contract at the King Power Stadium.

Therefore, Wrexham would have to pay a transfer fee to secure his services ahead of their first second-tier campaign in 43 years.

Parkinson has publicly stated that he wants as many of his targets through the door as possible before the season starts with a tough assignment away at Southampton.

Coady would make up Wrexham's back three alongside Max Cleworth, 22, and Lewis Brunt, 24.

Wrexham currently boast the ninth-shortest odds across bookmakers when it comes to promotion from the Championship. Coady's arrival could boost their backing.