Ex-Manchester United player training with former club as Wrexham transfer links persist

Former Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell is training with League Two Crewe Alexandra after being released by Stoke City.

Powell joined United from The Alex in 2012 after helping them to promotion. He went on to make only nine senior appearances during his time at Old Trafford, having been described as 'an exceptional talent' by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Powell was sent on various Championship loans before finally leaving permanently to Wigan Athletic, before joining Stoke. His time in the Potteries came to an end in the summer and he has been linked with Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

A move to the National League champions would be a major coup for Wrexham and another statement of intent from the big-spending Welsh club. Powell performed well at Championship level and finances and fitness were the biggest driver in his exit from Stoke.

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Powell was the Potters Player of the year in 2021 but started only nine Championship matches in 2022/23, down from 14 the previous term. Injuries have blighted him over the last two seasons.

However, North Wales Live report: "Wrexham are negotiating a deal with Nick Powell and talks are at an advanced stage - he is speaking to other clubs though so nothing has been finalised."

While any deal is ironed out, he is back training with former club Crewe to get fit for the new season. They are managed by Lee Bell, who was his team-mate when he made his breakthrough into the first-team spotlight at Gresty Road.

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