Championship side Wrexham have made an audacious attempt to secure the services of Christian Eriksen, the former Manchester United and Tottenham midfielder.
The Welsh club approached the 33-year-old following his departure from Old Trafford this summer, presenting an ambitious proposal to bring one of football's most accomplished playmakers to the second tier.
Despite finding the project impressive, Eriksen has turned down the opportunity as he remains determined to compete at the highest level of football, according to the Daily Mail.
The Danish midfielder's preference is to continue playing in a top-flight league within Western Europe, ruling out a move to the Championship regardless of Wrexham's compelling vision for the future.
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Several international clubs have expressed interest in securing Eriksen's signature, with approaches coming from Saudi Arabia, the United States, Turkey and Brazil.
His representative Martin Schoots confirmed the midfielder's stance, stating: "Christian still wants to play in a first-tier competition and he absolutely wants to stay in Western Europe.
"There are some contacts going on but it has to suit both sides."
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Schoots acknowledged Wrexham's impressive development, saying: "Wrexham are really upgrading everything both on and off the field, and it is a hugely impressive project, as you can see from the presence of people like Michael Williamson there."
Negotiations with various clubs remain ongoing as Eriksen weighs his options for the next chapter of his career.
The transformation at Wrexham has been nothing short of extraordinary since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney assumed control in 2021.
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At that time, the club were competing in the National League, English football's fifth tier.
Three years and three promotions later, The Red Dragons are preparing for Championship football, having climbed from non-league obscurity to the second tier of English football.
Wrexham's transfer window activity reflects their determination to compete at a high level, with several significant acquisitions already completed.
The club secured Empoli defender Liberato Cacace for £2.16million, whilst also bringing in former Leicester City and Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward and Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie.
The Welsh side have been linked with other eye-catching targets, including veteran striker Jamie Vardy and Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney.
Michael Williamson, appointed as CEO in May 2024, brings considerable experience from his previous roles at Inter Milan, DC United and Miami FC, underlining the professional infrastructure being built at the Racecourse Ground.
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Eriksen, meanwhile, joined United back in 2022.
He became a key player for Erik ten Hag but struggled for regular action towards the end of his time at Old Trafford.
The Dane also previously played for Tottenham in the Premier League.