Wrexham targeting further signings, says boss Parkinson

Phil Parkinson this week celebrated four years since taking charge of Wrexham

Wrexham are hopeful of getting more new signings “over the line”, says manager Phil Parkinson.

The League One newcomers have already signed goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and defender Lewis Brunt since the transfer window opened in June.

Parkinson acknowledged that more additions were needed to the squad ahead of the season opener at home to Wycombe Wanderers on 10 August.

“We’re in talks with several clubs, several players,” Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

“We’ve targets that are really good players and I’m hopeful we can get a few more over the line.

“We’re not where we want to be yet. We’ve got work to be done but we know that.

“For every deal that gets over the line there’s others in the background we’re working on, and hopefully we’ll add more quality into the squad before the start of the season.

“It’s going be a competitive division like it was last year in League Two and this is going to be no different.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re ready and the squad’s not just got the quality but it’s got the depth as well.

“That’s our intention and we’re working extremely hard to achieve that.”

Parkinson said he was pleased with the signings of Okonkwo and Brunt so far this summer.

Okonkwo has joined on a permanent basis following his release from Arsenal, having helped Wrexham win promotion into League One during a loan spell last season.

“I think it was an outstanding first signing for us,” Parkinson said of Okonkwo’s capture.

“We’ve been working exceptionally hard to bring him to the club permanently.

“There was obviously going to be a lot of interest in Arthur because of his profile and what he’s done here and at Sturm Graz and Crewe the season before.

“He really enjoyed it here and had a great connection with the staff, players and the supporters and he was always keen to come back.

“Inevitably there were going to be teams trying to prize him away from us but we were able to get the deal and it’s an important one for us.”

Defender Brunt has moved to the Stok Racecourse for an undisclosed fee from Leicester City.

Brunt, 23, has agreed a three-year deal having spent last season on loan at Mansfield Town.

“I’m really pleased with Lewis. He’s a good young player and had a good season last year at Mansfield,” Parkinson added.

“He’s got real quality and he’ll be a very good addition.”