Lennie to Move for Ugarte

Lennie Lawrence has finally confirmed last night that he is ready to fight Wrexham, and fellow Coca Cola Championship sides Leeds and Sheffield United to land Spanish goal hot-shot Juan Ugarte.

Ugarte is top of Lawrence's wish list this summer as he looks to bring a goalscorer to Ninian Park after a disappointing season in front of goal after selling Rob Earnshaw to West Brom in August.

With Ugarte available on a free, he will be the best option for Lawrence as he looks to minimize expenditure in a battle against the club's crippling debt.

Wrexham boss Denis Smith, however, believes he can convince the 22 goal hit-man to remain at the club despite their relegation to League Two.

Lawrence said, "We have an interest in Ugarte. He's different to what we've already got at the club.

"He's 24, he's a goalscorer and, most importantly, he's a free. I think there will be a lot of interest in him."

"We know Ugarte has done it in the next division up and he's not going to cost money."

Ugarte is not on a great deal at Wrexham due to their own financial problems, and is free to leave in the summer, however, he has been offered a new, improved deal to remain in north Wales with the club who resurrected the Basque striker's career, with Ugarte repaying the favour with four hat-tricks last season,.

Smith said:

"He's got a month to reply to me so it's a month of waiting and seeing who taps into him.

"Juan has had a lot of offers from throughout the country but he knows how well he's been treated here.

"Our offer is a good one. He's settled here and he's close to Xabi Alonso who is one of his best friends. He's got to decide where he wants to play.

"Is he going to be as happy somewhere else, and are the clubs interested in him going to have financial problems next season?

"The majority of players enjoy it here. Most of the players I've made offers to are saying they are quite happy at Wrexham.

"Wrexham is going to be a good place to be in the near future."