Wrexham edge nearer to transfer breakthrough as £7m star's move announced

Wrexham's bid to sign Nathan Broadhead could be back on track after Ipswich Town took action to bolster their attacking options. The Tractor Boys announced the arrival of Ajax striker Chuba Akpom on Sunday as part of an initial season-long loan deal, beating rivals Birmingham City and Middlesbrough to secure his services.

Ipswich will have an obligation to buy the 29-year-old for £7million if they gain promotion to the Premier League this season, according to Sky Sports. The successful swoop for Akpom could provide a boost to Championship new boys Wrexham's hopes of acquiring Ipswich forward Broadhead.

The Red Dragons, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, were previously reported to have reached an agreement to purchase the Wales international for a club record fee of £7.5m. However, the 27-year-old's move was later placed on hold by Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna amid injuries to other attacking players and transfer interest in Omari Hutchinson from several Premier League sides.

READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds told he's wasted £4m as Wrexham deals ripped to shreds - 'Not done a thing'

READ MORE: What we know about Wrexham target and Liverpool record-breaker who turned on his own fans

The Northern Irishman admitted last week that Broadhead had expressed a desire to leave, but said he would not sanction his departure unless the Tractor Boys were able to add new recruits up front. He later featured as a second-half substitute during Ipswich's 1-1 draw at Birmingham in their opening Championship fixture on Friday.

Broadhead's inclusion in the matchday squad raised doubts over whether his switch to Wrexham would materialise. But McKenna offered a clue about the potential knock-on effect of Akpom's arrival during a post-match interview.

He indicated Ipswich had more business to do in the transfer market to be considered contenders for automatic promotion, with players likely moving both in and out of the club before the window closes on September 1.

"We've got work to do with the group on the training pitch," McKenna told Sky Sports. "It's a short turnaround between Premier League and the Championship. It's still been a short pre-season, so we've got work to do on the training ground.

"We've got new players to integrate, and to still get up to full speed. We know we've got some incomings and outgoings that we need to resolve. Our squad needs to be stronger if we want to consider ourselves one of the top teams in the division."

Wrexham kicked off their first Championship campaign in 43 years on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat at Southampton. Phil Parkinson's team took the lead in the first half after Josh Windass converted a penalty, but were beaten in dramatic fashion as Ryan Manning and Jack Stephens grabbed two late goals for the Saints.

The former Bolton manager has already signed eight new players this summer after securing promotion from League One in April. However, Parkinson indicated that he was keen to add to his squad further after the loss at St. Mary's.

When asked if he wanted more fresh faces, Parkinson said: "Without a doubt - we're working towards that. We want to keep strengthening the squad so it's competitive enough to give us a chance in this division. We're bringing players in to help the existing players."

As well as Broadhead, Wrexham have also been linked with a bid to sign Sheffield United defender Jack Robinson in a permanent deal. Loan moves for Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas and Wolves' right-wing back Pedro Lima are also reported to be in the offing.

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.