Pierce Charles appears to be returning to Manchester City from Sheffield Wednesday in due course, but his next destination is less certain.

On Wednesday, it was reported that the deal to return the Northern Irish shot-stopper to the club where he began his youth career was nearing completion, putting an end to any hopes that the 20-year-old would help inaugurate the Owls’ new era this season.

The move might result in the biggest sale in the South Yorkshire club’s history, with bonuses and add-ons raising the total cost to about £10 million, but only time will tell if it happens.

Charles is anticipated to be loaned out soon after returning to the Etihad Stadium, since regular minutes are far from guaranteed for the Premier League heavyweights. Simon Jones stated on Tuesday that QPR were one of the frontrunners to complete a deal.

However, with the 20-year-old coming off a successful season for a struggling Wednesday team, there will undoubtedly be other suitors, and the Hoops may face a battle to sign the young shot-stopper for the season.

Wrexham enter the Pierce Charles race.

According to West London Sport, QPR are seeking to take Charles on loan once his move to Manchester City is completed, although they face late competition from divisional rivals Wrexham for his services.

The Hoops are about to release their fourth senior goalkeeper from last season. Paul Nardi and Ben Hamer were released at the end of their contracts; Joe Walsh joined on loan with Wigan Athletic for the season; and Murphy Cooper is close to joining Plymouth Argyle.

It represents a significant change of guard at Loftus Road this summer, with Julien Stephan’s side reportedly interested in Charles for some time.

Wrexham, on the other hand, are expected to be looking for a goalkeeper upgrade this summer, having finishing seventh in their debut season back in the second division last year.

Last year, Phil Parkinson’s team conceded the sixth-most goals in the Championship, which hurt their chances of making the play-offs. Neither Danny Ward nor Arthur Okonkwo had exceptional seasons, and with the latter linked with Leicester City earlier this summer, perhaps the Red Dragons are dissatisfied with their existing keeper core.

Despite only appearing 19 times in league play last season, Charles was responsible for half of Wednesday’s four clean sheets, averaging more than four saves per game. He twice made 11 saves in a single match, both against Leicester.

Pierce Charles would be a huge coup for Wrexham.

Charles is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the Championship next season if he can avoid injury, thus signing him would provide a significant boost to any team’s ultimate goal for next May.

QPR may be looking to make an outside push into the top eight, but Wrexham will be hoping to at least maintain their position from last season, if not improve upon it.

A few Wrexham fans have spoken out in favour of the allegations online, with one saying they’d be a “big fan” of the move “if Arthur was unfortunately to leave.” Another said, “I would welcome this!”

Taking Charles away from QPR would also be a huge deal, reinforcing their standing as one of the top teams in the division, as it would suggest that Manchester City see Phil Parkinson’s side as a place where their bright young players can thrive.

The 20-year-old will be out to show Manchester City that he has the potential to be first-choice at the Etihad Stadium, and only time will tell which Championship club Enzo Maresca believes will provide him the best chance of doing so.