Jamie Vardy has been linked with newly promoted Wrexham after announcing he’s leaving Leicester but his actual plan surely has West Ham chief David Sullivan written all over it.
Many West Ham fans already have a soft spot for Jamie Vardy due to the way he has taunted bitter rivals Tottenham down the years.
Now the veteran Leicester striker has announced he will be a free agent this summer, West Ham’s majority owner David Sullivan could too.
Since revealing he will depart Leicester after 13 seasons, Vardy – who has scored a staggering 143 Premier League goals despite not making his debut in the top flight until the age of 27 – has been heavily linked with a taste of Welsh Hollywood at Wrexham.
Vardy set to be a free agent this summer
The Red Dragons have secured promotion from League One and Vardy has been heavily tipped to be their first Championship signing.
Movie and TV star duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been bank-rolling Wrexham’s pursuit of the Premier League.
Wrexham moved one step closer by securing promotion against West Ham’s near-neighbours Charlton at the weekend.
And according to the likes of talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook that meant one step closer to the possibility of signing Vardy too.
As you can see below, Crook has reported that Vardy to Wrexham shouldn’t be ruled out amid claim and counter claim about the striker’s future plans.
West Ham face major financial issues this summer with the club insisting they have reached their PSR limit.
The Hammers must offload players in order to be able to make signings.
At least one, if not two, new strikers are needed at the London Stadium.
Flop £125k per week forward Danny Ings will be leaving West Ham as his contract expires.
Michail Antonio, now 35 and fighting back from a leg broken in four places in a car crash in December, is also out of contract this summer as things stand.
Vardy response to Wrexham claims has Sullivan written all over it
Meanwhile on loan Evan Ferguson will not be retained by the Hammers following a disastrous loan spell where he has failed to register a shot on target so far let alone score.
Now Vardy’s response to the Wrexham claims surely has West Ham chief Sullivan written all over it.
Hammers fans have been venting their anger towards Sullivan and the board amid their insistence that the cupboard is bare for new signings until sales are made.
It was already widely acknowledged that the Hammers would be taking a keen interest in a vibrant free agent market this summer as a result.
Wrexham will be looking to spend to ensure they can be competitive at Championship level. Hence the persistent links with Vardy.
Vardy ‘adamant’ he wants Premier League club next
Many West Ham fans have already suggested 38-year-old Vardy’s availability on a free transfer could prove very tempting for Sullivan.
Especially given the financial situation at the London Stadium.
But links with Wrexham and a possible move to MLS have seen those suggestions fade as quickly as they arose.
That might change now, though, after what Vardy has confided in those close to him about plans for his next move.
Sky Sports has broadcast breaking news about Vardy, claiming he does not want to play for a Championship club amid the Wrexham links.
And Vardy firmly believes he can still contribute to a Premier League team.
“He has no interest in playing for another Championship club,” Sky Sports News presenter Vicky Gomersall announced, as you can see in the post below.
“He’s adamant he still has so much to offer a Premier League team…
“Vardy has been linked with a number of clubs in England’s second tier – including the one he supports, which is Sheffield Wednesday – and Wrexham of course, whose third successive promotion was confirmed yesterday.
“But Sky Sports News has been told the 38-year-old does not want to swap recently relegated Leicester City for another club in the same division…
“It’s very likely that he will have discussions with Premier League teams it would appear.”
Vardy on a free may prove too tempting for West Ham to ignore
It’s easy to see why many West Ham fans have been putting two and two together and making four on this one.
If ever there was a move that smacked of West Ham with Sullivan at the wheel, it is this.
And Sullivan is back in the driving seat on transfers in east London this summer after reprising his role as de facto director of football following the sacking of Tim Steidten.
West Ham are said to be aiming to drive down the average age of the Premier League’s oldest squad.
But with finances so restricted, Sullivan may not be able to resist Vardy for a season or two given the striker has made his wishes clear.
Therefor it would be no surprise to see West Ham launch a move for the former England forward.
