League One transfer rumours: Wrexham try to tempt Champions League winner, Charlton getting busy

As we approach mid-June, the transfer mill is starting to pick up a bit of pace in League One with rumours flying around more frequently and more done deals being announced.

Naturally, with the start of pre-season still three weeks away and the transfer window still not open at the time of writing, it's still quiet in comparison to how busy clubs are expected to be later in the summer

That certainly seems to be the case for Bristol Rovers who are yet to make a signing this summer but that could well change soon with Bristol Live understanding that they are closing in on a deal to sign centre-back Taylor Moore after his release from French side Valenciennes.

The amount of work in the transfer market that the Gas need to be do this summer has been well-documented previously but it's not only going to be about assembling a new squad, but also one that can compete in what is increasingly looking like the toughest League One in a long time.

As is the case every summer, transfer rumours have to be taken with a pinch of salt but some interesting reports have emerged from reliable sources lately while there have also been some eye-catching done deals too.

Here are some of the latest notable transfer stories from League One that have cropped up recently...

Wrexham have offer on the table for Bale

Already if this deal is pulled off then, without being too hyperbolic, it will probably be the biggest transfer in League One history or at the very least one of. However, even the most optimistic fan would probably suggest it's quite unlikely.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney recently told The Athletic that an offer is still on the table for Wales legend Gareth Bale to come out of retirement and join the Red Dragons following their promotion to League One last season.

Bale, who won five Champions Leagues while at Real Madrid amongst a host of other titles, announced his retirement back in January 2023 having just played for Wales in a World Cup for the first time as well as having a stint in the United States with LAFC. However, the former forward is still only 34 and McElhenney has publicly stated that he will find a way to make things work for Bale if he was to sensationally come out of retirement and play for the Welsh side in League One.

"Gareth Bale is still technically available," the 'Always Sunny in Philadelphia' star exclaimed. "I made the plea last year and I’m just going to tell Gareth that the offer is still on the table. We’ll let him play golf whenever he wants. Just as long he comes training and we’ll figure out how to get him in the team."

Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett went on record last year to insist that the former Wales star has no intentions of playing football again with retirement allowing him to spend more time with family. However, there's no doubt that with the right amount of pre-season training, the 34-year-old could still be one of the best players in the EFL, let alone League One if the offer was to be accepted.

Nathan Jones set to be reunited with ex-Luton

Charlton Athletic are seemingly starting to show signs of activity in the transfer market having confirmed goalkeeper Will Mannion from Cambridge United as their first signing of the summer and now, reportedly, closing in on two more deals.

According to the South London Press, a deal has been agreed for the Addicks to sign midfielder Luke Berry when his contract at Luton Town expires at the end of this month.

The 31-year-old will add vast experience to Nathan Jones' side having played in the Premier League last term as well as boasting 100s of appearances throughout the divisions of the Football League.

Berry helped the Hatters rise from League One to the top-flight and Charlton will certainly hope that they can at least get themselves back into the second tier as soon as possible with the South London outfit one of many sleeping giants still in the third tier.

Although they won't go into the new season amongst the major favourites for promotion following last season's 16th place finish, Charlton have arguably one of the best managers in the division in Jones who will know Berry extremely well from their time at Kenilworth Road together. They are also undoubtedly one of the biggest clubs in the league and will be expected to kick on this campaign having last been in the Championship four years ago.

Alongside Berry, the Addicks are believed to have won the race for Dunfermline Athletic left-back Josh Edwards ahead of Bristol Rovers. As Bristol Live reported last week, the Gas are set to miss out on the Scotsman to Charlton with the South London Press reporting today that a deal has been agreed for Edwards.

Two clubs battling for ex-Sheffield Wednesday midfielder's signature

Both Leyton Orient and Wycombe are reportedly in the race to sign midfielder Tyreeq Bakinson on a free transfer following his release from Sheffield Wednesday.

According to Pete O'Rourke, the two League One clubs are the sides fighting for the 25-year-old's signature after he struggled to make an impact in the Championship last season.

That saw the London-born midfielder return home on loan to Charlton and now it appears as though he could be heading closer to his birthplace on a permanent basis.

Bakinson was part of the Wednesday team that secured promotion from League One in 2023 and with the Owls securing survival in their first season back in the second tier, the 25-year-old was released at the end of last term.

At the time of writing, Orient are yet to make a signing but did see manager Richie Wellens commit to a new three-year contract while Wycombe's only arrival to date was the acquisition of midfielder Alex Hartridge on a free transfer from Exeter City.