Exclusive: Wrexham Ready to Rival Preston for Former Sheff Wed Striker Michael Smith

Wrexham are ready to enter the race to secure sought-after striker Michael Smith’s signature, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Previously of Sheffield Wednesday, the experienced centre-forward left Hillsborough earlier this month after discovering that his wages had once again failed to arrive on time.

Our sources have learnt that Preston North End, now managed by former Sheffield United chief Paul Heckingbottom, have already made contact with Smith’s representatives about a potential move on a free transfer now he is out of contract.

But the 33-year-old is the subject of intense interest in North Wales, having previously been linked with the newly-promoted Championship club in the January transfer window.

Wrexham have refused to rule-out rivalling North End as manager Phil Parkinson attempts to bolster his attacking options ahead of the club’s first campaign back in the English second tier.

Parkinson wanted to sign Smith midway through last season, only for Wednesday chairman and owner Dejphon Chansiri to personally block the move following talks with Owls head coach Danny Rohl.

CRISIS HIT OWLS

But the attacker, who has also represented Darlington, Portsmouth and Bury earlier in his career, is now free to consider his options after agreeing to terminate his contract with crisis hit Wednesday by mutual consent.

Chansiri is looking to offload his shares following a series of financial challenges in recent months, with the whole squad having not been paid during a worrying time for the South Yorkshire club.

Smith is aware he boasts admirers at Wrexham, who returned to the second tier of English football for the first time in over two decades after winning promotion from League One two months ago.

Although Deepdale remains a desirable destination, Smith knows that Wrexham possess the ability to pay him a more lucrative salary. 

With former Burnley striker Jay Rodruguez also in situ at the Racecourse Stadium, the prospect of potentially challenging for a place in the Premier League next season could influence the players’ thinking if Parkison decides to submit an official bid.