Wrexham have won the race to sign Reading striker Sam Smith, the Reading Chronicle understands.

The 26-year-old rose through the Academy ranks in Berkshire and scored twice in 11 appearances before stepping away to join Cambridge United in 2021.

35 goals in 109 appearances followed before the forward returned to Reading upon the club's relegation to League One in 2023.

Moving alongside friend and U's teammate Harvey Knibbs, Smith hit 16 goals in 37 appearances last season and has already netted 11 times in 25 matches until this point.

Scoring on Tuesday during a 3-2 defeat at Burton Albion, rumours surrounding his future emerged as it became apparent that Wrexham were in need of a forward.

READ MORE: Wrexham keen on Reading FC star before deadline day

Managed by club legend Phil Parkinson and searching for a third successive promotion, the Red Dragons are owned by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia''s Rob McElhenny.

Heavy spenders and challenging for promotion, sat third at the time of writing, the North Wales outfit are an attractive proposition.

The Reading Chronicle understands that the forward has opted to make the move to Wrexham and should complete the move ahead of Monday's 11pm deadline.

The Royals will secure a multi-million pound fee for the striker, albeit are unable to reinvest due to an embargo in place until the club accounts are published.

Leaving Noel Hunt light on the ground, Jayden Wareham would be the likely candidate to replace Smith unless Hunt opts to move Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan or Harvey Knibbs from where they have been playing so far this campaign.

Wrexham visit the SCL Stadium in March, while the immediate attention turns to the visit of Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.