Gary Neville deals transfer blow to Ryan Reynolds as Prem star told to stay put (2025)

Gary Neville has cast doubt over the chances of Jamie Vardy swapping Leicester for Wrexham during the summer, despite the Foxes' relegation from the Premier League being confirmed

Gary Neville has dealt a blow to Wrexham's hopes of signing Jamie Vardy after advising the Leicester City star to stay put. The veteran striker is nearing the end of his current contract with the Foxes after agreeing a 12-month extension last summer.

Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted he's in the dark over the 38-year-old's future plans despite ongoing talks over a new deal. Wrexham, owned by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for Vardy if he chooses to leave the King Power Stadium.

There is a chance the two teams could face off in the Championship next season after Leicester's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed on Easter Sunday. Meanwhile, Wrexham are currently third in League One and battling for a third successive promotion.

However, Neville has expressed doubts over whether Vardy would turn out for one of the Foxes' rivals after spending almost 13 years with the club. Speaking on 'The Gary Neville Podcast', the former Manchester United captain suggested either staying with Leicester or moving abroad would his most likely moves, with retirement another potential option.

When asked what advice he would give to Vardy, Neville said: "Look, if his body feels good then it'll come down to how he feels. These lads are so fit. He's obviously lost a yard [of pace], but I think there are opportunities that exist now in America or in other parts of the world where you can go and play and you can enjoy yourself.

"I think [he should] stay at Leicester if he can. Why not? Do they not need a Jamie Vardy in the Championship and do you not think he would cause problems? They're going to have a lot more of the ball and they're going to dominate a lot more of the games.

"He knows how to work in the box in short spaces now – he's got better at that during his career. There may be a position for him for 25 to 30 games next season. He still could be someone [who is] important for them in getting maybe 10 or 15 goals in the Championship."

Wrexham have been able to secure a number of high profile signings in recent seasons. The Welsh side spent more than £2million in the January transfer window to lure ex-Premier League striker Jay Rodriguez and Reading forward Sam Smith to the Racecourse.

However, Neville believes Vardy's loyalty to Leicester would rule him out of joining another British team during the summer. The striker previously rejected the opportunity to switch to Arsenal after winning the Premier League with the Foxes in 2016, despite a sizeable pay offer.

Neville said: "It depends on the money. I would imagine he’s on a good wage, but I look at Jamie Vardy and think to myself that I don't see him going to play for anybody else in the Championship.

"I don't see him being signed by another Premier League club so my view is that he either stays at Leicester for next season or he goes abroad or he completely goes [retires]. I just don't see him staying in this country and playing for another club."

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