Ryan Reynolds told to go all out for 'fantastic' Man Utd star as transfer links intensify

Wrexham have been urged to make a move for an experienced Manchester United defender by one of the club's former players as they look to challenge in the Championship

Wrexham have been encouraged to make a bold move for Manchester United's Jonny Evans. The North Wales club, owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, celebrated promotion to the Championship after their triumphant 3-0 victory against Charlton Athletic last weekend.

With the celebrity owners reiterating their lofty goal of taking Wrexham into the Premier League, manager Phil Parkinson has been tipped for a busy summer transfer window. Among the star-studded players linked with a move to the Red Dragons are Jamie Vardy, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jonny Evans.

The veteran defender, aged 37, made an unexpected comeback to Old Trafford in 2023 following his earlier departure in 2014, initially joining just for pre-season. However, Evans has since racked up 42 appearances across all competitions over two seasons.

His contract is set to wind down in June, and no talks of renewal are apparent. Former Wrexham and United winger Mickey Thomas has welcomed the idea of Evans joining Parkinson's squad, declaring, "He would be fantastic."

"I saw a rumour about Jonny Evans and he's been magnificent when he's played for Manchester United in the last couple of seasons," said Thomas. "He would be fantastic, there's no question about that.

"He's very experienced and you're going to need that as well. When you look who the manager has brought in, he's brought in Steven Fletcher and experience like that with Jay Rodriguez. He will be on the lookout for some type of player like Jonny Evans, which would be a good addition to the team."

Thomas enjoyed the second half of Saturday's match against Charlton from Reynolds and McElhenney's private box and even joined the pitchside celebrations at the owners' invitation. The former Wrexham star, known for his remarkable free-kick that secured an FA Cup upset against Arsenal in January 1992, made 349 appearances across two stints with the club.

The ex-Wales international is convinced that a few new signings will be essential for Wrexham to compete in the Championship next season. However, Thomas maintains that Wrexham should have no fear after achieving their third consecutive promotion, even amidst clubs with Premier League pedigree.

He said: "I would say you're looking at four or five players who will come through the door. Every football club, every season adds quality. Without doubt, that's going to happen.

"You have to have a belief that they can do really well. At this moment in time, we're like a runaway train, no-one can stop us. This is a big test, though, and you have to see what's ahead of you.

"There's some big hitters in there with Leicester coming down, along with Southampton and Ipswich and possibly Sunderland in there. But I think they'll be well prepared and Phil Parkinson will already have his players in mind that he wants to bring into the club."

Parkinson is keen on implementing a "no egos" policy when making new signings, prioritising the right "culture" at the club over individual talent.

He said: "I think that a lot of tough decisions will be made this summer, in terms of who we bring in and how we add to this fantastic squad of lads we've got, but let's see if we can build a squad to compete at that level.

"What we've always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right and I think that's key - no superstars, no egos in the dressing room and we've got to try and get that balance right again. You always need extra quality when you go up a level to make sure the right people come into the building."