Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson is facing his first big call of the January transfer window after confirming Paul Mullin has been recalled early from his loan spell at Wigan Athletic. The former Sunderland manager revealed the development following the Red Dragons' 2-1 Championship victory away at Derby County on Sunday, with the striker due to return to the Racecourse Ground this week for talks over his future.

The 31-year-old joined League One side Wigan on a season-long loan in the summer but has endured a mixed spell with the Latics, scoring five goals in all competitions. Speculation over an early return had grown after he was left out of several recent matchday squads, with Wigan boss Ryan Lowe previously insisting the situation was being handled internally.

Parkinson admitted he has only had limited contact with Mullin over the festive period, with Wrexham's hectic schedule restricting time on the training ground.

He said: "Mulls' loan spell has been terminated. We'll have a chat with him this week when he comes back in. He needs to train this week as he's missed a few days of training.

"I've only spoken to him briefly over the Christm‎as period. We haven't really been in training much because of the games and staying in hotels. I'll touch base with him on the way back today and we'll have a good chat when he comes in this week."

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Mullin remains one of the most iconic figures of Wrexham's modern era, having scored 110 goals over four seasons and playing a central role in the club's remarkable rise from the National League to the Championship. He also enjoys a strong relationship with the club's Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.

His profile has been boosted by appearances in the Welcome to Wrexham documentary and a cameo in last year's Deadpool & Wolverine movie. However, Mullin's standing at the club shifted during the second half of last season's League One promotion-winning campaign, when he found himself out of favour under Parkinson.

Ongoing injury issues have also disrupted his momentum in recent years. Wrexham currently sit ninth in the Championship, just one point off the play-offs after winning all four of their league matches over the festive period.

Parkinson's side boast considerable attacking options including Kieffer Moore, Nathan Broadhead, Josh Windass and Sam Smith, meaning Mullin's next move remains uncertain. Another loan exit this month is a possibility or even a permanent move away from North Wales, but Parkinson is keen to assess the situation face-to-face before any further decisions are made.

Mullin himself admitted earlier this season that his future at the club was unclear following his move to Wigan.

Speaking to talkSPORT in October, he said: "I loved my time at Wrexham, and it might not be over, who knows, but that's not up to me. I don't make that decision. I've obviously got a contract with Wrexham and they'll decide what they want to do with it, but for me, I just want to enjoy playing football.

"You never know what will happen tomorrow, never mind in six months. I absolutely loved my time at Wrexham. It became my club and I absolutely adored all the fans and everything about the club. But if it's not to be and they don't end up wanting me back, then I'll live."

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