Wrexham are set to announce the signing of midfielder Ben Whiteman after the Preston North End captain completed a medical at the Championship club.
Promotion push
Phil Parkinson's side are targeting a historic promotion to the Premier League this season, having narrowly missed out on a play-off spot during the 2025/26 campaign. While co-owner Ryan Reynolds has insisted they are focusing on quality over quantity in the transfer window this summer, the Welsh side are targeting some key new acquisitions to help them make it to the top flight.
Last week, full-back Danny Imray became Wrexham's first signing of the summer as he joined from Crystal Palace in a deal thought to be worth £5 million.
Whiteman deal
Now, they are set to complete the signing of defensive midfielder Whiteman, having reportedly paid £3 million to lure him from Preston to north Wales. The 30-year-old has made over 200 appearances for the Deepdale side and was appointed as club captain ahead of the 2024/25 season. Having also represented Sheffield United, Mansfield Town and Doncaster Rovers, he adds a wealth of EFL experience to Wrexham's squad.
The deal is set to be confirmed imminently, with Whiteman completing his medical on Tuesday.
Heckingbottom fury
It comes after Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom was left furious with his captain, as he accused Whiteman of forcing a move away and "crossing a line" by telling bosses that he had played his final game for the club.
"Ben knew there was a line I didn't want him to cross and unfortunately he has," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire. "There's a valuation on him, I just hope for Ben's sake that Wrexham are willing to pay it otherwise he's put himself in a sticky situation."
"He's made his bed," the former Barnsley, Leeds and Sheffield United boss added. "I'm not bothered as long as I get another player."
Other moves
Wrexham had also been linked with West Brom midfielder Jayson Molumby, but the arrival of Whiteman likely means the club are unlikely to pursue a deal further. Meanwhile, there also could be outgoings in midfield, with Sheffield Wednesday reportedly advancing in talks to sign George Dobson on loan ahead of the new season.
Speaking last month, co-owner Reynolds said the club had "a different brief" this summer after splashing the cash ahead of their Championship return last season. "Last year, we arrived in the Championship and had a few months to build an entire Championship roster," he told Sports Illustrated. "Phil, Michael [Williamson] and Shaun [Harvey] did a great job, and we came up just short of the play-offs. This is a different brief this season. Like a home renovation show... this episode is about making the kitchen work better rather than doing a whole-house renovation."
