Wrexham eye move for Fulham's Cairney

NEWLY-PROMOTED Wrexham have reportedly made an ambitious transfer move after naming Fulham captain Tom Cairney as their number one summer target.

- By LIAM RANDALL

The North Wales side, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, secured automatic promotion to the Championship last month. The Red Dragons are now preparing to play in the second tier for the first time in 43 years.

Manager Phil Parkinson is expected to be well-backed during the upcoming transfer window as he looks to make the necessary improvements to enable his squad to compete at the next level. And Wrexham are showing no sign of slowing down, with the Telegraph claiming the club has already made an approach to secure Cairney’s services in a huge statement of intent.

Talks over a deal for the midfielder are said to be in the early stages, but could shatter the club's transfer record of £2million, which was paid to sign striker Sam Smith from Reading during January.

Cairney, who has two caps for Scotland, has made 23 appearances in the Premier League for Fulham this season.

The 34-year-old has twice achieved promotion from the Championship with the Cottagers and has been a key player for the club. Wrexham have already acquired a number of former top-flight veterans during their rise from the National League after registering three back-to-back promotions.