Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney snap up former Man United academy starlet as Wrexham push for third straight promotion
- Wrexham’s Hollywood owners have signed the midfielder on a short-term contract
- The 33-year-old was a free agent and played in the Championship last season
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Ambitious Wrexham have taken action to solve a potential midfield crisis by signing free agent Matty James on a short-term contract.
The former Manchester United and Leicester City star has agreed to move to The Racecourse until January in the first instance.
Wrexham are trying to counter the loss of George Evans, who has undergone surgery to repair damaged ankle ligaments, while Andy Cannon and George Dobson are walking a disciplinary tightrope and one booking away from suspension.
James played for Bristol City last season, but has been a free agent since the summer.
He started his career in United’s youth academy in 2007 and made several appearances for the Red Devils Under-18s before moving to Leicester in 2012.
Matty James has been called up to Wrexham to provide cover for the side’s injury-hit midfield
The Welsh club’s owners, Rob McElhenny (left) and Ryan Reynolds (right), helped seal the deal
The 33-year-old former England youth international had interest from other Championship clubs, notably Coventry City and Leeds United, but a deal failed to materialise.
However, it is understood clubs will be keeping an eye on his return to action at high-flying Wrexham as they look to gain promotion from League One.
They have lost some ground on leaders Birmingham City, who they trail by four points after playing a game more, but will hope James can add some extra quality and impetus to the squad in the future.
Wrexham are also still searching the free agent market for an emergency striker with Jack Marriott, out for four months, and now Steven Fletcher, leaving boss Phil Parkinson with a shortage of options up top.
The 33-year-old has played for Championship clubs such as Coventry, Bristol City and Leeds
Mail Sport understands that former Bolton Wanderers big man Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is a player of interest.
Wrexham left two open spots open in their registered squad with the EFL to compensate for possible late arrivals, with free agents and Parkinson forced to move sooner than he had hoped amid a spate of long-term injuries.
