Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney face squad registration challenges at Wrexham under EFL rules

Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney may need to conduct a significant clear-out this summer due to the EFL's registration rule.

The Red Dragons have soared into League One, achieving back-to-back promotions in their first season back in the Football League after 15 years, following their National League victory. The club has undergone a transformation under the stewardship of the Hollywood pair, but this rapid ascent could come with a price.

Wrexham's team includes players from their fifth-tier success as well as those who joined last season. With the club securing another promotion, it seems likely that more new faces will be needed to ensure they compete at the top end of the table.

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However, for new signings to join, the club will have to operate on an almost one-in, one-out basis. This is because veteran striker Steven Fletcher's contract extension means that Wrexham now have 21 contracted senior players, while the EFL squad limit for registration is 22.

According to EFL rules, players under the age of 21 and goalkeepers are not required to be included in the squad list. However, any attempts to exploit loopholes by registering players as goalkeepers when they are not will be considered misconduct, reports the Mirror.

Wrexham, in their current situation, can only register one more signing before they need to remove players from their existing squad list to make space. This wouldn't necessarily mean that those de-registered would have to leave the club, but it would put Reynolds and McElhenney in a difficult position to find a solution.

Despite not making any signings so far this summer, Wrexham are reportedly eyeing a statement signing, according to Portsmouth publication The News. They're keen on bringing Pompey midfielder Joe Morrell to the Racecourse Ground.

Morrell is out of contract and reportedly has no interest in activating an extension clause for another year.

The Welsh team have already seen several key players depart in recent years, either at the end of their contracts or by transferring to other clubs. Former club captain Ben Tozer, along with experienced players Luke Young, Callum McFadzean, Aaron Hayden, Rob Lainton and Jordan Tunnicliffe, have all left the club this summer.

On June 26, Wrexham will discover who they'll face in their first third-tier campaign since the 2004/2005 season, when all Championship, League One and League Two fixtures are released simultaneously. Phil Parkinson's side will play Premier League teams Bournemouth and Chelsea in pre-season friendlies next month in California.