Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have revealed how the club's transfer process works after being turned down by Gareth Bale last week. The American film and TV stars have captured the imagination of the town with their investment and sealed promotion to League Two after a record-breaking season.
Their squad already looks suited to competing at the top end of the division but that didn't stop the Hollywood owners from making a cheeky attempt to lure former Tottenham Hotspur star Bale to the Racecourse. Their efforts to appear to be in vein, though, after the retired Welshman explained his stance on playing professionally again.
"No I don’t think so," he said when asked about another season in English football. "I think I was looking more for a free round of golf off Rob. I'm sure we'll have a chat and a joke but I'm quite happy where I am.
READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds makes 'serious' Gareth Bale to Wrexham announcement after transfer 'talks'
"I'm spending a lot of time with my kids, my wife, time that I've lost so much over the years being committed to football. I'm just enjoying family life and playing some golf."
The 33-year-old, who only hung up his boots in January, excited fans across the world when teasing that a return to the pitch was possible. Having already signed former England and Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, as well as Football League marksman Paul Mullin, Wrexham have made a name for themselves with statement deals.
Bale would be on a different level entirely after featuring at the World Cup and winning five Champions League titles during a glittering playing career. McElhenney has the backing of seasoned manager Phil Parkinson with their market exploits, he explained.
"We defer to Phil," McElhenney told Welsh broadcaster S4C. "We are actively talking about that right now. I know for a fact he feels as though we have a very strong side." Even without Bale, Wrexham are likely to be in the top end of League Two next season and challenging for back-to-back promotions.
They aren't just in it for the immediate glory, McElhenney said. “No decision that we have made over the last two years hasn’t kept the future in mind, so we never make a short-term decision.
“Any player that we have signed, we have signed to at least a three-year deal, except for one. He is the guy we are going to work on, but other than that, I think we have a very strong side. If Phil says we need somebody else, then we will do our best to go out and get them.”
Bale, who spent his playing days in England and Spain before moving to LAFC last year, would be dropping below his natural level even after not playing for three months. He couldn't help himself but get involved with the attention around the Red Dragons either.
The pair haven't ruled out something happening in the future, though. "I think there’s seriousness from our side, but I don’t know that there’s seriousness from his. I think he’s happy,” McElhenney explained.
“I’m also weirdly happy for him to do exactly what he wants to do with his life," added Reynolds. “He’s given up so much for a sport that he loves. It’s fun, though. I like that we can kind of do some stuff that’s a little outside the box of convention when it comes to goofing around.
“I didn’t think Ben Foster would be coming over and he did."
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