Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could be forced into a major clear-out at Wrexham this summer due to the EFL’s registration rule.

The Red Dragons have reached League One after confirming back-to-back promotions in their first season returning to the Football League in 15 years following their National League triumph. Wrexham are a club transformed under the reigns of the Hollywood duo, but their rapid rise could come at a cost.

Wrexham’s ranks include players from their fifth-tier success as well as those arrivals last season, and with the club securing a successive promotion, further incomings look likely in order for them to be fighting at the right end of the table.

But in order for new signings to arrive, the club will have to operate at a rate of almost one in, one out, as 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 the EFL restrictions, any player under the age of 21 and goalkeepers are not required to be included in the squad list. However, any loopholes regarding declaring players as goalkeepers when they are not will constitute misconduct.

Therefore in their current position, Wrexham can register just one additional signing before they would be forced to remove players from their current squad list in order to make room. Those taken off the registration wouldn’t necessarily need to leave the club, but it would put Reynolds and McElhenney in a tricky position in order to find a solution.

Wrexham are yet to make any signings so far this summer, but according to Portsmouth publication The News, the Red Dragons are looking to make a statement signing and bring Pompey midfielder Joe Morrell to the Racecourse Ground. The midfielder is out of contract and is reportedly not interested in activating a clause to extend his deal by another year.

The Welsh outfit have already seen a number of key players in previous years leave the club at the end of their contract or by joining another club. Former club captain Ben Tozer, as well as the experienced Luke Young, Callum McFadzean, Aaron Hayden, Rob Lainton and Jordan Tunnicliffe have all left the club already this summer.

Wrexham will find out who they begin their first third-tier campaign since the 2004/2005 season against on June 26 when all of the Championship, League One and League Two fixtures are released simultaneously. Phil Parkinson’s side take on Premier League sides Bournemouth and Chelsea in pre-season friendlies next month in California.