Lincoln City leading Charlton Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers in race to sign free-agent | OneFootball

Lincoln City are leading the race to sign Tom Bayliss following his departure from Shrewsbury Town this summer, according to a report from Football Insider, who say that fellow League One sides Charlton Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers are also interested in the midfielder.

Bayliss joined Shrewsbury back in the summer of 2022 when he joined on a free transfer from Preston North End.

But with his contract at The New Meadow expiring at the end of this season, Shrewsbury have confirmed he will not be extending his deal with them beyond this summer.

However, despite his departure from the club, it looks as though the 25-year-old is set to stay in League One for next season.

Lincoln, Charlton and Wycombe keen on Tom Bayliss deal

With Bayliss leaving Shrewsbury this summer, he is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

That appears to have caught the attention of several other third-tier sides, with this latest update claiming that Lincoln are leading the race to sign Bayliss.

However, it is thought that Charlton and Wycombe are also keen and could be potential destinations for the 25-year-old.

Bayliss began his career with Coventry City before making that move to Preston, where he would also have a spell on loan with Wigan Athletic.

The midfielder then subsequently made 81 appearances in all competitions during his two years with Shrewsbury, scoring ten goals and providing nine assists in that time.

While Lincoln and Charlton are yet to announce any signings this summer as things stand, Wycombe have already made one addition to their first-team squad, with defender Alex Hartridge joining from Exeter City.

Lincoln finished the season seventh in the League One table, just points adrift of the play-off places.

Wycombe and Charlton, meanwhile, ended the campaign tenth and 16th respectively. For their part, Shrewsbury finished 19th in the final standings, four points clear of the relegation zone.

Tom Bayliss could be a good signing for League One clubs

It does feel as though the signing of Bayliss could be a smart one for a team such as Lincoln, Wycombe, or Charlton to make.

Bayliss already has plenty of experience at League One level, where he has shown he knows what is required in the division, and can live up to expectations.

As a result, he could do a job for one of these clubs, and at 25 years old, he still has plenty of time remaining in his career where he can do that for some time to come.

With Bayliss also capable of playing in a variety of midfield roles, that versatility can also help clubs in terms of the extra scope to rotate it provides them with.

Meanwhile, his availability on a free transfer ensures he is an affordable option, leaving funds available for other signings, which could be useful at this level where budgets are more limited.

The level of interest there is in Bayliss, also ensures it will be a coup for whoever signs him, both strengthening themselves and preventing their rivals from boosting their own options.

With that in mind, this does seem like a signing that is well worth pursuing for the likes of Lincoln, Wycombe and Charlton this summer.