Jamie Vardy has been strongly linked with a move to Wrexham following his decision to leave Leicester, with the club's Hollywood owners now left in no doubt over his future
Jamie Vardy is reportedly set to reject a potential transfer move to Wrexham in favour of staying in the Premier League. Vardy recently announced he will be leaving Leicester City at the end of the season following the club's relegation to the Championship.
Speculation has since been rife that he could join Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, following their promotion from League One. However, Sky Sports reports that the 38-year-old does not want to join a Championship team, delivering a blow to their hopes of landing a major transfer coup.
The striker, who won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016, has also been linked with a move abroad following interest from clubs in the US and the Saudi Pro League. But the Foxes legend is said to be convinced he still has plenty to offer sides in the English top flight.
Vardy has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 32 games for Leicester this term. If he does stay in the Premier League, it will put paid to the suggestion put forward by former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.
Neville was recently asked what advice he would give to Vardy as he considers his future, and backed him either to stay put with the Foxes or move overseas.
Speaking on 'The Gary Neville Podcast', he said: "Look, if his body feels good then it'll come down to how he feels. These lads are so fit. He's obviously lost a yard [of pace], but I think there are opportunities that exist now in America or in other parts of the world where you can go and play and you can enjoy yourself.
"I think [he should] stay at Leicester if he can. Why not? Do they not need a Jamie Vardy in the Championship and do you not think he would cause problems? They're going to have a lot more of the ball and they're going to dominate a lot more of the games.
"He knows how to work in the box in short spaces now – he's got better at that during his career. There may be a position for him for 25 to 30 games next season. He still could be someone [who is] important for them in getting maybe 10 or 15 goals in the Championship."
Another figure who has cast doubt on Wrexham's ability to lure Vardy to North Wales is the club's former goalkeeper Ben Foster, who helped the Red Dragons lift the National League title in 2023. The ex-United shot-stopper believes there are plenty of Premier League teams who would be willing to sign him.
"I think Jamie Vardy genuinely, and I do mean this, could sign for probably 15 Premier League teams," Foster said on his 'Fozcast' podcast. "It's very similar to the Liam Delap scenario where he is not going to be the main man for anybody and he's not going to play 32 games.
"But what he will do is he can come off the bench for half an hour or 40 minutes and give you everything he's got. He can still do those runs in behind and score you goals. He's a great lad."
He added: "Can you imagine how much Newcastle fans would love a Jamie Vardy ratting around? The Championship is not happening. [Wrexham] is still not happening. Abroad? He could go to America…or there's 15 Premier League teams you can sign for, Jamie. Perfect."
Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp has offered Wrexham a glimmer of hope after suggesting Vardy could be a good fit for them. The former Tottenham and Portsmouth boss also touted Burnley as another possible destination following their promotion to the Premier League.
"He would be a great value signing for any club," Redknapp told BetVictor. "It's a no brainer in my eyes – he gives everything and works so hard. A team like Burnley who have been promoted, his goals could help them stay up.
"He could get any team promoted next season from the Championship, I still think he has a lot to offer in a team that can make chances for him. It would be a great move for Wrexham.
"I don't think he will be on the radar of Premier League clubs, but that said, I think he's fantastic. His work rate and everything about him is brilliant, if I was in the Championship I'd be moving heaven and earth to sign him."