Carlton Palmer believes that Sheffield Wednesday striker, Michael Smith, will be sold to Wrexham AFC if the club make a sizeable offer before the transfer window closes.
Wrexham are keen to bolster their squad this summer, with the forward area a top priority. According to Football Insider, Wrexham have already opened talks with Smith over a possible move to the Racecourse Ground.
With Paul Mullin currently sidelined through injury, Smith has emerged as a primary target for the Red Dragons. Wrexham are not short up front and do already have the likes of Steven Fletcher and Jack Marriott available to them.
As for Wednesday, they recently secured the signing of Ike Ugbo, meaning Smith has dropped down the pecking order at Hillsbrough. However, Smith came off the bench to score against Plymouth Argyle, showing he still has something to offer.
Carlton Palmer reacts to Wrexham, Smith news
Carlton Palmer believes that Wrexham would be signing a striker who could score 19 or 20 goals in League One as he is proven at that level.
“One area they have not strengthened is up front, and they’re looking at Michael Smith of Sheffield Wednesday. Michael Smith is coming into his last year of his contract,” Palmer exclusively told Football League World.
“As I’ve said before, Smithy is a very, very good player at League One level. He struggles in the Championship, although he came on in Sheffield Wednesday’s win against Plymouth and scored. He’s a very, very proven scorer in League One.
“Also, two promotions, I think, two or three promotions from League One. He’s 19/20 goals a season there, but he’s already proved his value to Sheffield Wednesday, coming off the bench several times last season and weighing in with valuable goals.
“He does know where the net is. He’s not as prolific in the Championship, and he’s got a year to go on his contract. You know, given his age, should they get a sizeable offer from Wrexham, I think Sheffield Wednesday would let him go.
“As I said, if they want somebody there, Smithy’s good. He holds the ball up well, he leads the line very, very well. With the signings that Sheffield Wednesday have made with him being out of contract, as I say, he’s in the last year of his contract, with the right decision now for Sheffield Wednesday to let him go. I’m sure Danny Rohl is already looking at a replacement for Smith.
Although it is a drop-down in divisions, Wrexham presents a tempting opportunity for Smith, and it is one that he might be willing to take.
Smith’s recent record in League One speaks for itself. The 32-year-old scored a combined total of 34 goals in his last two seasons in the second tier for Wednesday and Rotherham United respectively.
Wrexham are a team on the up. Having secured back to back promotions, the club recorded their first win of the League One campaign with a 3-2 win over Wycombe Wanderers. Backed by celebrity duo, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Welsh club would be an attractive prospect to any player of Smith’s calibre.
Following the signing of Ugbo, the 32-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Hillsborough and that could sway his decision in favour of leaving. Furthermore, new signing, Jamal Lowe, led the line for Wednesday against Plymouth and got a goal to his name.
The Owls also have Callum Paterson, Bailey Cadamarteri and Charlie McNeill to choose from in the forward area. McNeill arrived on a free transfer following his release from Manchester United.
Like Smith, Cadamarteri could be joining the striker at Wrexham. According to Darren Witcoop, the Red Dragons are leading the race to sign the 19-year-old on loan from Wednesday.
Although Smith will not want to drop down to League One, it is likely he will be limited in first team opportunities, with Wednesday possessing a number of options.
A move to Wrexham will tempt Smith, and even though they are a division below, they are a team on the rise.
The 32-year-old’s record in League One speaks for itself, and he could help Wrexham to a third successive promotion.