Sam Ricketts has been told by Wrexham to stay away from tonight’s FA Cup 2nd Round clash with Newport County amid speculation over his future.

The 37-year-old has been linked with a move to League One side Shrewsbury Town promoting the Dragons to take their extraordinary action.

Ricketts is, according to reports in Shropshire, ‘close’ to making the move to Town.

A Wrexham statement said: “In view of the speculation surrounding the future of our first team manager Sam Ricketts, Wrexham AFC felt it is not appropriate for him to attend this evening’s game.

“We will seek to clarify Sam’s future as Wrexham AFC manager as soon as is possible.

Ricketts’ assistants Graham Barrow, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Carl Darlington will take charge against County in the all-Welsh tie at the Racecourse Ground.

The former Wales defender only took over in May but has led Wrexham to third in the National League.

But he now looks set to succeed the sacked John Askey at Shrewsbury Town.