Wrexham AFC are reportedly competing with Derby County and Millwall to sign Watford captain Mattie Pollock before the summer transfer window ends.
Football League World reports that journalist Pete O’Rourke says the three Championship clubs are considering late moves for the well-regarded 24-year-old centre-back. Watford, though, are hesitant to let him go so close to the deadline since finding a replacement would be very difficult.
O’Rourke reported: “Wrexham, Derby and Millwall are chasing Watford centre-back Mattie Pollock before the close of the window, but Watford are reluctant to lose the player.” Wrexham have opened the new campaign without a win, while finishing games off is a concern; the fact that they are also defending poorly at times is a big worry for Phil Parkinson.
Since joining Watford from Grimsby Town in 2021, Pollock has become a key player at Vicarage Road. After loan spells with Cheltenham Town and Aberdeen, he earned a spot in Watford’s senior team and is now seen as one of their most reliable defenders.
The defender made 36 appearances last season and was named Watford’s Player of the Season. This summer, head coach Alessio Dionisi made him captain, showing how important he is to the club. Pollock’s contract runs until 2029, so Watford are in a strong position and do not need to sell him soon. His impressive display during Watford’s recent 1-1 draw at the Stok Cae Ras, only highlighted to the Wrexham hierarchy what they could have at the club should a deal be made.
His leadership, physical presence and Championship experience could appeal to Phil Parkinson as the manager attempts to strengthen several areas of his squad before the September 1 deadline.
The situation could also depend on what happens with Dan Scarr. Reading are reportedly interested in the Wrexham defender, and if he leaves, manager Phil Parkinson would have fewer centre-back options and might need to bring in another defender.
Nevertheless, no official agreement has been reported. Wrexham, Derby, and Millwall are expected to try to sign Pollock, but Watford’s unwillingness to sell their captain could make any deal hard and costly to finish this late in the window. The player's substantial Championship experience, with the potential to improve further, makes him both an immediate first-team option and a longer-term investment. All three interested clubs harbour the same ambitions of challenging towards the upper reaches of the division.
Signing Watford’s captain would show how serious Wrexham are about pushing for promotion to the Premier League this season. But since Pollock is under contract for three more years and is key to Dionisi’s plans, Wrexham may have to make a very strong offer to complete the transfer before the window closes.
