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Ryan Reynolds dealt transfer blow as Gary Neville tells Prem star not to join Wrexham

Wrexham are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, but Gary Neville has suggested he should stay put at the King Power Stadium

Ryan Reynolds pictured at Welcome to Wrexham event
Ryan Reynolds's Wrexham have been dealt a blow in their hopes of signing Jamie Vardy(Image: Leon Bennett/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)

Gary Neville has thrown a spanner in the works for Wrexham's hopes of signing Jamie Vardy, advising the Leicester City star to stay put. The seasoned forward is approaching the end of his current contract with the Foxes after agreeing to a one-year extension last summer.

Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy confessed he's uncertain about the 38-year-old's future plans despite ongoing discussions about a new contract. Wrexham, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are among the clubs rumoured to be interested in Vardy if he decides to depart from the King Power Stadium.


There's a possibility that the two teams could clash in the Championship next season following Leicester's relegation from the Premier League being confirmed on Easter Sunday. Meanwhile, Wrexham currently sit third in League One and are vying for their third consecutive promotion.


However, Neville has voiced scepticism about whether Vardy would play for one of the Foxes' rivals after nearly 13 years with the club. On The Gary Neville Podcast, the ex-Manchester United skipper suggested that staying with Leicester or moving overseas would be his most viable moves, with retirement also a potential option.

Neville 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."

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Jamie Vardy of Leicester City looks dejected
Jamie Vardy's future at Leicester is uncertain following their relegation from the Premier League(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images.)

"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."

Wrexham made big transfer moves in January with over £2million spent on securing ex-Premier League striker Jay Rodriguez and Reading forward Sam Smith. However, Neville doubts Vardy would move away from Leicester due to his loyalty and past decision to reject Arsenal in 2016.


Neville said: "It depends on the money. I would imagine he's on a good wage, but I look at Jamie Vardy and think to myself that I don't see him going to play for anybody else in the Championship.

"I don't see him being signed by another Premier League club so my view is that he either stays at Leicester for next season or he goes abroad or he completely goes [retires]. I just don't see him staying in this country and playing for another club."

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Despite Neville's scepticism, Vardy would be greeted by at least one familiar face if he moves to the Racecourse. Ex-Leicester midfielder Matty James is a regular in Phil Parkinson's starting line-up.

James previously expressed his respect for his former colleague in March 2024 while preparing to play against Leicester with Bristol City. Despite Vardy's age, he also endorsed him to continue playing due to his impressive fitness levels.

Speaking to BristolLive, James said: "Vards is such a good lad and he's an unbelievable player in terms of where he's gone from the day he signed at Leicester. He fitted in straight away - the way he was as a person, as a player, and he's such a giving guy. He would do anything for anybody."

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