League One transfer rumours: Wrexham try to tempt Champions League winners as Charlton busy

As we approach the middle of June, the transfer mill is starting to speed up a bit in League One, with more rumors flying and more deals being announced.

Of course, with the start of pre-season still three weeks away and the transfer window still unopened at the time of writing, it’s still quiet compared to how busy clubs are expected to be later in the summer.

That certainly seems to be the case for Bristol Rovers, who are yet to make a signing this summer, but that could soon change, with Bristol Live understanding they are closing in on a deal to sign centre-back Taylor Moore after his release from the French side. Valenciennes.

The amount of transfer market work the Gas have to do this summer has been well documented previously, but it won’t just be about assembling a new squad, but one that can compete in what looks increasingly tough . League 1 after a long time.

As is the case every summer, transfer rumors have to be taken with a grain of salt, but there have been some interesting reports from reliable sources in recent times, while there have also been some enticing offers.

Here are some of the latest notable League One transfer stories to emerge recently…

Wrexham have a bid on the table for Bale

Already, if this deal is pulled off then, without being too hyperbolic, it will likely be the biggest transfer in League One history, or at least one of. However, even the most optimistic fan would probably suggest that it is quite unlikely.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney recently told The Athletic that a bid is still on the table for Wales legend Gareth Bale to come out of retirement and join the Red Dragons following their promotion to League One last season.

Bale, who won five Champions Leagues while at Real Madrid among a host of other titles, announced his retirement in January 2023, having just played for Wales at a World Cup for the first time and had a stint in the United States with LAFC. . However, the former striker is still only 34 and McElhenney has publicly stated that he would find a way to make things work for Bale should he sensationally come out of retirement to play for the Welsh side in League One.

“Gareth Bale is technically still available,” exclaimed the “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star. “I made the plea last year and I’m going to tell Gareth the offer is still on the table. We’ll let him play golf whenever he wants. As long as he comes to training and we’ll figure out how to do it. bring him into the team” .

Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, went on record last year to insist the former Wales star has no intention of playing football again and the retirement allows him to spend more time with his family. However, there is no doubt that with the right amount of pre-season training, the 34-year-old could still be one of the best players in the EFL, let alone League One if the offer were to accepted.

Nathan Jones is set to reunite with ex-Luton

Charlton Athletic appear to be starting to show signs of activity in the transfer market after confirming goalkeeper Will Mannion from Cambridge United as their first signing of the summer and are now reportedly closing in on two more deals.

According to the South London Press, a deal has been agreed for the Addicks to sign midfielder Luke Berry when his contract at Luton Town expires at the end of this month.

The 31-year-old will add a wealth of experience to Nathan Jones’ squad, having played in the Premier League for the last term as well as making hundreds of appearances across the Football League divisions.

Berry helped the Hatters climb from League One to the top flight and Charlton will surely be hoping they can at least return to the second tier as soon as possible with the South London outfit one of the many sleeping giants who it is still in the third level.

Although they will not go into the new season among the major promotion favorites after last season’s 16th place finish, Charlton have arguably one of the best managers in the division in Jones, who will know Berry extremely well from their time together at Kenilworth Road. They are also arguably one of the biggest clubs in the league and will be expected to start this campaign having last been in the Championship four years ago.

Along with Berry, the Addicks are believed to have won the race for Dunfermline Athletic left-back Josh Edwards ahead of Bristol Rovers. As reported by Bristol Live last week, the Gas are set to lose the Scot to Charlton, and the South London Press today reported that a deal has been agreed for Edwards.

Two clubs are battling for the signature of the former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder

Both Leyton Orient and Wycombe are in the race to sign midfielder Tyreeq Bakinson on a free transfer following his release from Sheffield Wednesday.

According to Pete O’Rourke, the two League One clubs are in the running for the 25-year-old’s signature after he struggled to make an impact in the Championship last season.

So the London-born midfielder has returned home on loan to Charlton and now it looks like he could be heading closer to his birthplace on a permanent basis.

Bakinson was part of the Wednesday squad that secured promotion from League One in 2023 and, with the Owls securing survival in their first season back in the second tier, the 25-year-old was released at the end of last term.

At the time of writing, Orient are yet to make a signing but have seen manager Richie Wellens commit to a new three-year deal, while Wycombe’s only arrival to date has been the signing of midfielder Alex Hartridge on a free transfer from Exeter City.