Wrexham is in a strong position as it enters the January transfer window, still vying for promotion from League One.

Manager Phil Parkinson has been given the go-ahead by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to spend this month. The race for the two automatic promotion spots in English soccer’s third tier appears to be between four teams.

Currently, Birmingham City, the big spender, is leading the table at the halfway point, trailed by Wycombe Wanderers by two points. Wrexham is in third place, tied on points with Wycombe but with a lesser goal difference.

Huddersfield Town is also in the mix following a string of excellent results. After a summer in which the Red Dragons invested heavily in players like midfielder Ollie Rathbone and forward Mo Faal, there aren’t many areas that need tweaking in January.

However, with the ambitious club potentially achieving an incredible third consecutive promotion, it wouldn’t be surprising to see its transfer record broken again. Despite its impressive start, Wrexham has struggled for goals up front, with star forward Paul Mullin unusually out of form after undergoing back surgery in the summer.

There are also other squad issues that need addressing, with some players nearing the end of their contracts. With all these factors in mind, here are three outcomes that would make for the perfect transfer window for the club.

Michael Smith signs

One of the key players Parkinson chased during last summer’s transfer window was Sheffield Wednesday forward Michael Smith. The Championship team decided to keep the towering figure at Hillsborough, a decision that seems to have worked out well for The Owls this season.

Michael Smith of Sheffield Wednesday

Michael Smith has netted five goals in the Championship this campaign ( 

Image:

Matt West/REX/Shutterstock)

The 33-year-old has netted five goals despite often coming off the bench. With his contract set to end this summer, revisiting the move this month could be beneficial for all involved.

Smith would fit well into Parkinson’s system and could be the ideal partner to get Mullin back on the scoring sheet. The player most likely to be affected by this would be Ollie Palmer.

The ex-AFC Wimbledon forward has put in a lot of effort for Wrexham up front, but his goal tally has largely dried up. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the club try to secure a forward with Championship experience to elevate its game.

Sam Dalby dilemma resolved

Despite Wrexham’s lack of goals, it does have a forward who is performing well, albeit elsewhere. Sam Dalby has had a successful stint on loan with Dundee United in the first half of the season and is currently the Scottish Premiership’s top scorer with ten goals.

Parkinson now faces a tough decision over whether to recall the forward during the January transfer window, with his contract set to expire in the summer. The 25-year-old has expressed his happiness to stay with United, the Tannadice side reportedly eager to sign him permanently.

Wrexham's Sam Dalby, who is on loan at Dundee United

Sam Dalby (right) has been in fine form on loan at Dundee United ( 

Image:

Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

The manager has a few choices, including bringing back Dalby with the intention of reintegrating him into the squad. For now, staying north of the border on loan for the rest of the season might be beneficial for both the player and United.

For Wrexham, it might be best to recall Dalby in the short term to push United into making a permanent offer for the forward in January. This would also allow the Red Dragons to secure a transfer fee.

Bonus forward signing to address scoring worries

Paul Mullin has more than proven his worth at Wrexham. The forward is a club legend due to his previous goal-scoring feats and is adored by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

However, with an eye on the future, signing yet another striker would be the icing on the cake during this transfer window. Increased competition could also motivate Mullin to rediscover his scoring form.

Whether there are forwards willing to potentially play a supporting role to him is uncertain. One possibility is to borrow a young player from a higher division team.

Joe Gelhardt of Leeds United is a player Wrexham has been linked with ahead of the January window. The 22-year-old is also reportedly being pursued by Hull City.

While major changes aren’t necessary, strengthening its frontline this month can only enhance the Welsh side’s chances of automatic promotion.