English-Nigerian Dele Alli’s Wrexham dream ends as club fills final squad spot with Rathbone

Wrexham have ended speculation linking them with a move for midfielder Dele Alli, officially confirming that their final available squad slot has been handed to Ollie Rathbone.

Born to a Nigerian father and English mother, Dele had been without a club since mutually parting ways with Serie A side Como, fuelling talk of a potential return to English football.

The 29-year-old had joined Cesc Fàbregas’ team in January but made just one appearance before his contract was terminated, marking another setback in a career once full of promise.

Wrexham, co-owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, were believed to be exploring the possibility of signing the former Tottenham and Everton star after manager Phil Parkinson left one slot open in his 25-man Championship squad submitted in September.

However, the Red Dragons have now confirmed that Rathbone, last season’s Player of the Year, has taken the final place.

Rathbone, a Manchester United academy graduate, played a vital role in Wrexham’s promotion from League One and recently returned from an ankle injury.

Parkinson revealed that the midfielder’s recent training performances have been impressive and hinted at his inclusion for Saturday’s away fixture against Stoke City.

“He’s had a great 10 days, so he’s had a nice block of training now,” Parkinson told The Leader.

“We had an in-house game last week and more 11-v-11s this week to prepare everybody for what is an important period coming up when we start again at Stoke.”

Dele, meanwhile, continues his search for a new club and was recently spotted training in Bali to maintain fitness.

The midfielder has endured a turbulent few years, battling injuries and mental health struggles since leaving Tottenham.

Wrexham currently sit 18th in the Championship table with 10 points from nine matches, while Stoke are fifth.

Parkinson’s squad has been further boosted by the return of summer signing Liberato Cacace, who is now fit after a hamstring injury.