New Details Emerge In Wrexham Player Pursuit
Harrogate Town have set a price tag of £500,000 for their talisman striker Luke Armstrong, according to sources at Football League World.
Fellow League Two clubs Wrexham and MK Dons have seen their bids for the striker rejected recently, and the Sulphurites will now demand £500,000 for Luke Armstrong. Wrexham’s interest is no secret, particularly since Paul Mullin’s long-term injury picked up in pre-season.
Armstrong joined the club from Salford City in 2021 and was immediately a huge asset for Town, scoring 30 goals across his first two seasons as the Yorkshire club avoided relegation back to the National League.
The 27-year-old reportedly declared himself unable to play for Harrogate on the opening day against Doncaster Rovers amid transfer speculation; however, Town boss Simon Weaver had previously confirmed that the club turned down approaches for the striker, who remains under contract until 2025.
Since the opening day, Armstrong has featured in all of Town’s league fixtures despite transfer interest remaining as we approach the final week of the transfer window.
What has been said?
Sources at Football League World have stated:
“The teams who had offers rejected for Armstrong were League Two rivals Wrexham and Milton Keynes Dons.
“Sources have exclusively informed Football League World that a £500,000 price tag has been slapped on the head of the striker, perhaps in a bid to scare off some of their divisional rivals who are still lurking.”
Up in the Air…
It remains to be seen whether Wrexham or MK Dons will be prepared to meet Harrogate’s £500,000 valuation of the striker, despite both sides already proving to be potent in front of goal this season. Paul Mullin’s long-term injury will be likely to play a part in any remaining business for the North Welsh outfit.
The North Yorkshire club find themselves under no immediate pressure to sell, as the player remains under contract at The EnviroVent Stadium until 2025.
Writer’s View
Having watched Luke Armstrong against my own club, the striker is the complete package for the fourth tier. With physicality, aerial presence, and potency in the box, he is a fantastic player who I regard very highly.
Harrogate’s price tag seems extortionate for a League Two striker, but I would argue that it is justified given Armstrong’s contract and importance to the club, they have every right to be reluctant to sell.
It will be interesting to see whether any side comes in to match this asking price in the closing stages of the window. With Wrexham’s wealth being no secret, this is certainly one to watch before the 11 p.m. deadline.
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WREXHAM AFC: Howard gets the nod to play in Barrow clash
MARK HOWARD is handed the gloves tomorrow as Wrexham head to Barrow looking for their first League Two clean sheet of the season.
With former England international Ben Foster leaving the Reds this week after announcing his retirement, the man whose place he took in the side gets the nod for the trip to Holker Street.
“Mark’s had a good pre-season and he played really well in the cup game against Wigan,” said Reds boss Phil Parkinson, who can tick off another ground on his list tomorrow having never visited Barrow before.
Howard kept a clean sheet as Wrexham held League One side Wigan to a goal-less draw before beating them on penalties in the League Cup first round.
The experienced keeper is heading to familiar territory having played for Barrow’s Cumbrian rivals, Carlisle, before joining Wrexham.
With Rob Lainton still nursing a knee injury, Parkinson has also brought in young keepers, Luke McNicholas and Liam Hall, this month to bolster the goalkeeping ranks.
Parkinson may make changes in the outfield positions too as he aims to put a stop to Wrexham’s awful defensive record of conceding 13 goals in four games.
But Wrexham have also scored 13 goals making them the most entertaining team to watch in the entire Football League.
“It’s been a hectic start to the season and I said that in the first few weeks we would have to utilise the squad,” added Parkinson, who has so far used 22 players.
Having no midweek game has been a help to Parkinson and he’s been pleased to have a full week on the training ground with his players.
“It’s been good this week,” said Parkinson. “Yes, we’re disappointed about the goals we’re conceding but there are lots of very good elements of our play that have pleased me.”
