"A real coup" - Pundit reacts as Wrexham battle Oxford United for Jack Marriott | OneFootball

Highlights

Wrexham could be set for a busy end to their League Two season and will need every bit of help they can to force themselves over the line in the promotion race.

Phil Parkinson's men have come up to the EFL after a 15-year hiatus and taken to the demanding schedule with ease, currently sat in second place after a strong spell over the Christmas period - though the hard work must continue if they are to secure a second promotion in as many seasons.

The club are flush with cash amid their Hollywood takeover, and there is money to spend to bring in new players - though they need to pick and choose wisely. And, after rumours linking them with Jack Marriott, Carlton Palmer has given his verdict on how the signing could turn out should he sign on in north Wales.

Despite Wrexham registering their interest in Marriott, reporter Alan Nixon suggested on Tuesday that Oxford were battling the Red Dragons in the race for Marriott's signature and due to their healthy league position in the third-tier, could well trump Phil Parkinson's men in a bid to land their man.

Nixon stated that Des Buckingham’s side, who picked up an invaluable last minute equaliser against Portsmouth on Tuesday evening, were at the front of the queue to sign the former Derby star, with Marriott being keen on a move to the Kassam Stadium with his huge wages at Fleetwood not thought to be an issue.

Marriott is currently Fleetwood’s top scorer in the third-tier this season and so any deal taking him away from the Lancashire outfit - be it to the third or fourth tiers - would be hugely detrimental for the Cod Army who have suffered a season of hardship on and off the pitch at Highbury Stadium.

What Carlton Palmer has said about Jack Marriott

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer added that the potential signing of Marriott would be a real coup for Wrexham despite the challenge of Oxford potentially joining the race so close to the deadline.

He said: “Wrexham sit in second place in League Two, vying for back-to-back promotions behind Stockport County, who are the current League Two leaders. They’re looking to make a real statement of intent with the owners making funds available to sign a new striker and the name that has been mentioned is Jack Marriott of Fleetwood, who has scored five goals in League One in 24 appearances.

“This could prove to be a valuable signing for Wrexham. They’ve yet to sign a player in the window and are keen to add to their already-quality attackers in Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Elliot Lee to see them over the line in the second half of the season.”

Why Wrexham would be getting a coup in Jack Marriott

Marriott’s record in the EFL is something to marvel at for any potentially interested clubs; having his breakout season for Luton in 2015-16 as a 21-year-old with 14 goals in 40 games, it was at Peterborough United where he properly excelled with 27 in 44 back in 2017-18.

Spells at Derby - where he famously scored the winner against Leeds in a tense ‘Spygate’ play-off semi final and grabbing a goal back in the final at Wembley against Aston Villa - have been followed by another stint at Peterborough and Fleetwood, and with 81 goals in the Football League, he certainly knows how to find the back of the net.

Alongside the experience of Steven Fletcher and Paul Mullin, Wrexham would only improve their front line which is arguably the best in League Two on paper - with only Notts County, Crewe Alexandra and Stockport scoring more goals than the Welsh club.