WREXHAM have snapped-up highly-rated goalkeeper Matt Baker from Conference club Hereford United.

Baker, 24, has produced a string of fine displays for United over the three seasons he's played with the club, culminating in a call-up for the England semi-professional side.

With a number of League clubs ready to pounce, it represents quite a coup for the Dragons, leaving manager Denis Smith delighted.

'We've known about him for a while and he's a player who has been performing very well so I'm pleased to have got him,' said the boss.

'He's an England semi-pro international, and at 24, he's got a lot of time to develop as well.'

Baker started his career with Hull City, and is expected to provide cover for 39-year-old Andy Dibble, who is recovering from the broken-arm he sustained against Peterborough last season.

The young keeper becomes Smith's third summer signing, following the double-raid on Kidderminster Harriers for Danny Williams and Dean Bennett.

Smith revealed the versatile Bennett - who can play in defence or midfield - was brought in after it was discovered star-man Carlos Edwards could be missing for a large part of next season.

Smith said: 'We're obviously very pleased to get him especially with Carlos's injury.

'He's a very attacking player, like Carlos, and that's exactly what I want from a wing-back.'

In a busy week for the club, Smith also revealed the Dragons have agreed a new deal with Northern Irish international Jim Whitley, but admitted contract talks with Paul Edwards have stalled.

'Jim is a very good player, and he's become an important part of our team, so I'm happy with that,' said Smith.

'The situation with Paul is that he's currently injured, and we've not agreed a deal, but I'm still hopeful of that.

'We've also got Denis Lawrence to re-sign, which is great news, and I'm delighted to have retained the majority of the players I wanted to keep at the club.'

Smith also denied weekend stories linking him to ex-Tranmere Rovers forward, Andy Parkinson, who now plies his trade for Sheffield United.