- Dele’s Wrexham transfer hopes appear to be over
- Parkinson expects Rathbone to take final squad spot
- Ex-Spurs star must continue search for new club
Dele has been released by Serie A side Como after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. The 29-year-old, once a Premier League star at Tottenham, has since been linked with potential moves to West Brom, Birmingham, and Wrexham. However, rumours of a North Wales switch have now been dampened.
Wrexham boss Parkinson has suggested that Rathbone, last season’s Player of the Year for the Red Dragons, will fill the club’s 25th squad slot once he returns from injury. Rathbone has been sidelined with an ankle problem but is close to fitness after impressing during pre-season. His return appears to rule out a move for Dele.
Speaking to the media, Parkinson said: “I think Ollie is closing in. I just wanted to make sure Ollie got through this week in training and the signs are looking positive, and he’ll be back in a couple of weeks. We need Ollie back, he’s a key player for us. He was instrumental for us last year.
“He’s a player who has played in the Championship; first year did well, second one was a difficult one at Rotherham because they had a very weak squad. But he’s played at this level and when he signed for us, he was determined to get back into the Championship.
“His start to the season has been curtailed but obviously he’s a very naturally fit player and the sooner we get him back involved in football, the better. His energy and his quality, I can’t wait to get Ollie back out with us.”
With Rathbone set to be reintegrated, Dele will have to look elsewhere as he continues his search for a club. Birmingham and West Brom remain linked, but his options are shrinking. For Wrexham, the focus now shifts to Rathbone’s comeback and life in the Championship.
