Wrexham have been linked with the 23-year-old centre-back who despite having a year left on his contract, is one of four fit players not taken to Spain for a training camp by Shrews manager Paul Simpson.

Little, having made six summer signings so far, would like to bring in one more new recruit and a striker was top of the agenda.

But Little has not ruled out bringing in a fresh face in another position.

"We are constantly searching around to try and bring in someone new, and to make ourselves a better team," said Little today.

"Darran is a player that genuinely interests us but there are one or two others that do.

"Sometimes the position you want is not available, but players in other positions are.

"Whatever comes up you are dictated by if it is the right player more than anything.

"In an ideal world, we know what we would like to bring in but this is not fantasy football.

"We know what is available – we have to be brave enough to move or not look back."

Former Crewe and Preston defender Kempson, who joined Shrewsbury in the summer of 2007, has admitted his future may lie elsewhere.

"Paul Simpson has said that if clubs are interested and I want to go, I can as long as it's right for everyone," said Kempson.

"Wrexham have shown a bit of interest but there is nothing concrete at the moment. I am just weighing up my options.

"There are a few league clubs interested as well but it just depends on what is best for my career.

"I've got a year left at Shrewsbury but I'm not the type to sit on my contract if there's no chance of regular football."

Meanwhile, midfielder Tom Kearney said hopes are high at Wrexham as the countdown to the new Blue Square Premier campaign continues.

The summer signing from Halifax Town is aiming to be part of a promotion challenge with the Reds.

Wrexham begin their first season outside the Football League with a home match against Stevenage Borough on August 9 and with other fancied teams also due to face the Reds in the opening weeks, Kearney said it was important to get off to a good start.

"I am looking forward to the start of the season," said Kearney. "If you can stay fit pre-season it sets you up for the season itself.

"We have got a tough start and first and foremost we have to stick together and build up spirit.

"Every club has fresh hopes and ideas at the start of a season. We just have to maintain our form thoughout the season.

"It is a long season with a lot of games but the start is crucial.

Everybody is expecting us to be up there and we are definitely aiming for that."

Wrexham continued their build-up to the new campaign yesterday by drawing 0-0 with Tranmere Rovers in a behind-closed doors friendly.

Enjoying his new surroundings, Kearney is pleased with how pre-season is progressing.

"It's going well," said Kearney. "I finished at the end of April but with Halifax's situation, it was important to keep a certain level of fitness with me going to a new club.

"We have had three games now and all the lads are looking pretty sharp.

They want to get as much as possible out of each training session.
"I've enjoyed the training as well as the games. It is not about results but the way you play, because that breeds confidence.

"But we have kept two clean sheets now and that is something to build on.

"The manager is looking at a few things with the team's shape and using players in different positions, and things are going okay."

Yesterday's practice match featured three 30 minute sessions with Little, who used 21 players, opting to change teams after 45 points.

Only summer signing Kyle Critchell completed 90 minutes and Little was happy with the run-out which came on the back of a similar exercise with Shrewsbury Town last week and 1-0 victory against Championship outfit Wolves at The Racecourse on Saturday.

"It is another step up in progression towards the new season," added Little.

"A couple of players missed out and we did not want to risk Wes Baynes.
"All in all we got out of it what we wanted, and the score does not matter.

"And it is a different type of game at the training ground.

"It was competitive and the players have not come up against their team-mates as they normally would in a practice game.

"You get the unexpected and that makes it more interesting, and from a fitness point of view both sets are delighted."

Wrexham's next friendly is against Blackpool at The Racecourse on Saturday.

Ask Brian

If you have a question for Brian Little email it to digitalnews@nwn.co.uk and we'll ask as many as we can during our next video interview with the Reds boss this Thursday.