Wrexham’s club record move for Harrogate Town striker Luke Armstrong has dramatically collapsed after paperwork was not submitted before Friday’s 11pm deadline. 

In a move that is believed to have been in the region of £500,000, Armstrong had accepted a switch to North Wales on Deadline Day following interest from MK Dons. 

Armstrong went on strike last month in a bid to force his way out of Harrogate but he will now have to return after the EFL ruled his switch to Wrexham void.

It means Wrexham’s deadline day business ended up with Millwall defender George Evans and a loan move for young Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.

Luke Armstrong will have to return to Harrogate after the EFL rejected his Wrexham move

It is a bitter blow for Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson as he thought he had a new striker signed

‘Wrexham AFC can confirm terms were agreed to sign Harrogate Town striker Luke Armstrong on Transfer Deadline Day, with paperwork submitted for his signing,’ Wrexham’s statement read.

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‘Unfortunately, the required documentation and clearance requests could not be completed in time and his registration has been rejected. As a result, Luke remains a Harrogate Town player.’

It added: ‘The Club would like to thank the player for choosing to join Wrexham earlier in the day and are disappointed that this cannot now happen (pending any appeal). No further comment will be made at this time.’

The announcement dropped five minutes before Wrexham kicked off their League Two fixture with Tranmere Rovers. 

Wrexham have made a mixed start to their first season back in the EFL, with one win, three draws and one defeat in their first five matches.  

Wrexham have to make some outgoings with 24 players in their squad, and only 22 allowed