08 September 2023 , 13:43
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Wrexham's co-owners gave their seal of approval on another transfer before their move for Luke Armstrong fell through on deadline day.
The Red Dragons dramatically saw their acquisition of the Harrogate Town forward collapse after the EFL refused the star's registration. It seems that the 28-year-old marksman is not the only potential Paul Mullin replacement the North Wales club sounded out, however.
In fact, Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has claimed that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney sanctioned a deal for one of his players. Although the National League champions failed to register an official bid, it would appear that they had a genuine interest in striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.
Speaking on the Hard Truth podcast, McAnthony claimed Bristol Rovers were the only team to put money on the table for the 29-year-old, with the clubs having agreed worth an initial £800k. Explaining the circumstances surrounding the saga, he said: "Rovers were the only ones to make an acceptable bid.
"Wrexham contacted me and said they were going to make a bid which was interesting. It might have seemed a strange move for the player, but if they got him it would probably mean back-to-back promotions for them so I could see the logic.
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MacAnthony added: "Apparently Hollywood had approved the move, but then they just went quiet. They never came back to me which was a surprise, especially when I saw who they eventually tried to sign."
Whether Wrexham decided to pursue Harrogate's Armstrong instead of the Peterborough forward remains to be seen. However, this gamble would prove ill-fated as the deal for their top target would fail to go through before the deadline, much to their consternation.
Phil Parkinson admitted his disappointment after the deal fell through (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)Dragons head coach Phil Parkinson was open about his disappointment that the deal could not be completed in the aftermath of the botched transfer. He said: "A lot of work has gone in to identify Luke and to get him to the club but for whatever reason that didn't get over the line and we're disappointed.
"A lot of work had gone into that signing in terms of looking at players across the board, putting offers in and working really hard to get a deal that was really suitable for Harrogate and us."
Wrexham did make two other deals on the final day of the summer transfer window, as Reynolds and McElhenney managed to get those deals over the line. The League Two outfit welcomed Arsenal's Arthur Okonkwo on loan, while also securing the services of Millwall midfielder George Evans.