Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has refused to comment on reports linking the club with a £19 million move for Angers striker Sidiki Cherif. The 19-year-old, who has scored four goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season, is also reportedly a target for Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Parkinson acknowledged that the club is in discussions with multiple targets but remained coy on specifics. 'There are lots of names we get linked with, some have got some truth in them and some of them haven't,' he said. 'At this stage of the window, there's enquiries and there's talks going on. Sometimes they come to fruition, sometimes they don't.'
Reports suggest Wrexham are preparing a club-record package for Cherif, potentially including £12 million upfront and substantial promotion-related bonuses. Such a deal would shatter the club's previous record of £10 million paid for Nathan Broadhead last summer and surpass the Championship record of £17.5 million.
Wrexham, currently ninth in the Championship and two points off the play-offs, have yet to make any signings in the January window. The only significant departure has been club captain James McClean, who left to join Derry City after a mutual termination of his contract.
Parkinson stressed that any new arrivals would depend on outgoings. 'To bring players in we have got to move players out,' he said. 'If the right player became available at the right price, then obviously we would make a move but it's not an absolute necessity.'
