In recent years, there has been a constant argument about what defines a ‘true’ Premier League club and whether EFL sides would be better fit in the division.

Brighton, Brentford, and Bournemouth, to mention a few, may have smaller fan bases than other clubs that have never competed in England’s highest club competition, yet they have become top flight regulars.

Ex-England international striker Wayne Rooney has chimed in on the topic, naming three clubs for his ideal 20-club Premier League, all of which have never played in the competition.

Wayne Rooney names three EFL clubs in an ideal Premier League scenario, including Stockport County.

During an appearance on Sky Sports’ The Overlap Fan Debate, Rooney was asked which three current EFL clubs he would like to see in the Premier League as part of his ideal 20-team squad, and two of them share a connection.

Two former teams of Rooney’s younger brother John, who is currently manager of Macclesfield, have been chosen, with Wrexham named as a Premier League club that the former Birmingham City manager wishes to join.

That, of course, may become a reality as early as this year if the Red Dragons maintain their current success, with Phil Parkinson aiming for his fourth consecutive promotion with the North Wales club.

Rooney’s brother’s former club, Stockport County, was also chosen. The Hatters have never played in England’s top division, even before the Premier League days pre-1992, but with Mark Stott’s investment, the Greater Manchester club is aiming for promotion to the Championship, where they haven’t been since 2002.

Preston North End, a team with no ties to the Rooney family, is one he’d want to see in the Premier League, despite the fact that it hasn’t played in the top division since 1961.

The Lilywhites have had two near-misses in second-tier play-off finals under David Moyes and Billy Davies, respectively, but while rivals such as Burnley and Blackpool have enjoyed the riches of the Premier League, PNE are still waiting their turn, and they are currently in a Championship play-off battle under Paul Heckingbottom.

Wrexham are most likely to first accomplish Wayne Rooney’s dream for Premier League football.

If one of Rooney’s handpicked trio is to make their Premier League debut, all indicators point to Wrexham.

The foundations are being laid for the Red Dragons to reach the top flight and stay there for the foreseeable future, thanks to the riches of Hollywood couple Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds, as well as serious sports investors such as The Allyn Family and Apollo Sports Capital.

They’ve become incredibly marketable throughout the world owing to Reynolds and Rob Mac, and with a new stand at the Racecourse Ground on the way, more supporters will be able to support Parkinson’s side – and there’s a good chance they’ll be in the first division before the stand opens.