Carden signed for Wrexham in order to be nearer his family

Wrexham have contacted the footballing authorities after finding out that their first summer signing Paul Carden has apparently signed for a rival club.

The Dragons announced the signing of former Accrington Stanley player Paul Carden on a two-year deal at the end of May which was due to start on 1 July.

But on Monday the 29-year-old midfielder was named as part of the new management team at Cambridge United.

Wrexham are now looking at where it stands as a club in regard to the deal.

Non-league rivals United unveiled Carden as their new player and assistant manager as part of their new coaching set-up alongside ex-TNS midfielder Gary Brabin.

Carden needs no introduction to U's fans after completing a successful loan spell at the club in the second half of last season making 22 appearances for the club.

Just after signing for the north Wales club the player said he opted to play at the Racecourse in order to be near his wife and family as the ground was only 40 minutes from his home.

In a statement on the Wrexham website the club said it had contacted the "relevant footballing authorities" about its position in relation to the transfer and is awaiting a reply on what action it can take.

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"This is obviously disappointing news for both Wrexham FC and our supporters as the player had signed a two-year contract with us to start from 1 July with the full agreement of his parent club," said the club.

"While we appreciate the player's management ambitions, and that this position arose following his decision to sign a contract with us, we do need to investigate how the matter has been conducted."