WREXHAM manager Denis Smith is poised to make his second signing of the week today - and former Manchester City utility man Jim Whitley is his target.
It could be a case of second time lucky for Whitley, 26, who looked set to join Wrexham at the beginning of the season until the club's directors refused to sanction the deal agreed by former Racecourse boss Brian Flynn.
But Smith has now been given the go-ahead by the board to re-open negotiations with Whitley, who was brought up in Wrexham and whose brother Jeff is still on the Maine Road books.
Last night Smith said he had been in touch with Whitley's agent, Cyrille Regis, and expressed optimism that there would be no snags this time round.
"Jim is coming in tomorrow for a chat and, hopefully, to train with us as well," he added. "I think we've got the basis of an agreement and, while he will be mindful of what happened last time, I hope to get him signed up in time for Saturday.
"He is a very good player, who is extremely versatile, and I'm sure he can do a good job for us."
Whitley has not been able to find another club since being released at the end of last season and, given Wrexham's financial problems, is likely to be offered a short-term contract in the first instance.
What happens in the future could depend on whether Smith, who on Tuesday signed loan defender Keith Hill, can haul Wrexham out of the relegation zone and bring about an improvement in attendances at the Racecourse.
In any event, he will point out that a spell with Wrexham will put Whitley firmly in the shop window and is infinitely more preferable than training alone and idling away the hours on a Saturday afternoon.
