Wrexham have entered the January transfer window in a strong position as they remain in contention for promotion from League One.

Manager Phil Parkinson has been given the green light by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to go out and spend this month. The chase for the two automatic promotion spots on offer in the third tier looks to be a four-horse race.

Big spenders Birmingham City are currently top of the table at the halfway mark, followed two points behind by Wycombe Wanderers. Wrexham are in third, equal on points with Wycombe, but with a lesser goal difference.

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Huddersfield Town have also put themselves in contention following an excellent run of results. After a summer where the Red Dragons spent large sums on the likes of midfielder Ollie Rathbone and striker Mo Faal, there aren't too many areas which need tweaking in January.

However, with the ambitious club in with a shout of an astonishing third successive promotion, it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see them smash their transfer record again. Despite their impressive start, Wrexham have struggled for goals up front, with star striker Paul Mullin uncharacteristically out of form after undergoing back surgery in the summer.

There are also other squad situations which need addressing, with some players nearing the end of their contracts. With all that in mind, here are three outcomes which would make for the perfect transfer window for the club.

Michael Smith signs

One of the main players Parkinson pursued during last summer's window was Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith. The Championship side ultimately opted to keep the big target man at Hillsborough and the decision appears to have paid off for them so far this season.

The 33-year-old has grabbed five goals for the Owls despite often appearing off the bench. With his contract due to expire this summer, revisiting the move this month might be an attractive proposition for all parties.

Smith would be well suited to Parkinson's system and could be the perfect foil to get Mullin scoring again. The player most likely to lose out in this situation would be Ollie Palmer.

The former AFC Wimbledon striker has done a lot of hard graft for Wrexham up front, but goals have mostly dried up for him. It would therefore not be a surprise to see the club try and snare a forward with Championship experience to take them to the next level.

Sam Dalby dilemma resolved

Despite Wrexham's goal drought, they do have a striker who's in fine form, albeit out on loan. Sam Dalby has enjoyed huge success with Dundee United in the first half of the season and is currently the Scottish Premiership's top scorer with ten goals.

Parkinson now faces a dilemma over whether to recall the striker during the January window, with his contract due to expire in the summer. The 25-year-old has declared himself content to stay with United, who are said to be keen to sign him permanently.

The manager has several options, including recalling Dalby with a view to reintegrating him into the team. Meanwhile, staying at Tannadice on loan for the remainder of the season may suit the player and United for now.

For Wrexham, perhaps the best option would be to recall Dalby in the short-term in a bid to force United into making a permanent bid for the striker in January. This would also enable the Red Dragons to realise a transfer fee.

Bonus striker signing to stem scoring concerns

Paul Mullin has more than earned the right to be given time to rediscover his form at Wrexham. The Scouse striker is a legend at the club after his goalscoring exploits in previous seasons and loved by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

However, with one eye firmly on the future, a second striker signing would be the cherry on the top during the current transfer window. Increased competition could also spur Mullin on to find his scoring boots once more.

Whether there are strikers out there who would be willing to potentially play second fiddle to him is unclear. One option would be to bring in a young striker on loan from a team higher up the divisions.

Leeds United's Joe Gelhardt is a player who Wrexham have been linked with ahead of the January window. The 22-year-old striker is also reportedly being chased by Hull City.

While wholesale changes are not required, bolstering their frontline this month can only improve the north Wales side's chances of automatic promotion.