Wrexham defender Max Cleworth has played down rumours linking him with a move to Aston Villa after penning a new deal at the Racecourse Ground.
Max Cleworth Plays Down Aston Villa Links
Wrexham defender Max Cleworth says he “didn’t know anything” about rumours linking him with a move to Premier League high-flyers Aston Villa before penning a new deal at the Racecourse.
Cleworth put pen to paper on a new contract with the Red Dragons until 2029 last week.
It came just days after reports broke linking the 23-year-old with a transfer to Villa Park.
Fuelling speculation even further, he was left out of Wrexham’s squad for their FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest. Phil Parkinson later confirmed his omission was due to a groin issue.
Parkinson also reiterated that Cleworth is “very much part” of his side’s plans going forward.
Cleworth, who joined the Reds’ academy from two-time Welsh champions Connah’s Quay Nomads as a 12-year-old, was also keen to shut down rumours linking him with an exit.
He said: “I genuinely didn’t know anything about it [Aston Villa transfer links].
“It was always about committing to the club for me. It took a bit of time to get the deal done but me, obviously my family, my agent – it was all we were pushing to do.”
The 23-year-old has been a regular in Parkinson’s starting lineup since the 2021-22 National League season and has developed into one of the club’s most key and valuable players.
He was named in the League One Team of the Year last term after featuring in 42 of his side’s 46 matches, scoring seven and assisting two as Wrexham were promoted to the Championship.
Aside from the Reds, Cleworth enjoyed a spell on loan at JD Cymru Premier side Caernarfon Town in 2020-21, where he made 16 appearances, scored two goals and provided one assist.
He has started all but one of his side’s 27 matches in the second tier thus far this term and will be hopeful of retaining his position in the starting lineup when they face Leicester on Tuesday.
Our Wrexham vs Leicester betting tips suggest a goal fest awaits in north Wales.
Wrexham Transfer News: Sarmiento Linked
In other Wrexham transfer news, Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento has been linked with a move.
However, Sarmiento will likely join Birmingham, as they have emerged as frontrunners for his signature. He follows August Priske, Ibrahim Osman, Kai Wagner and Jhon Solis through the door.
GAIS forward Ibrahim Diabate has also been mooted as a potential incoming transfer at the Racecourse, but recent reports suggest that Leicester are in the driving seat for his signature.
The only confirmed bits of business thus far in January are departures, with Jake Bickerstaff joining Cheltenham Town on a permanent deal and James McClean exiting for Derry City.
Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee, who are both considered to be club icons for their contributions in helping Wrexham rise up the leagues, could also leave before the February 2 deadline.
Harry Ashfield is attracting loan interest too, having impressed for the Reds in cup competitions.
Parkinson’s men are currently in 10th place in the league table, three points adrift of the playoffs.
Following their crucial midweek clash against the Foxes, they travel to the English capital to take on Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road at 15:00 on Saturday afternoon.
