Coventry City are now planning to make a move for a Championship star this summer, and he would be a low-cost addition to Frank Lampard’s squad.
Coventry eyeing summer signings as promotion edges closer
Coventry bounced back from a defeat against Southampton with an emphatic 3-0 victory on the road against Swansea City last time out, which puts them in a very strong position to win promotion to the Premier League.
The Sky Blues are nine points clear of second-place Middlesbrough and 11 ahead of third-place Ipswich Town, although the Tractor Boys still have one game in hand.
With Lampard doing a stellar job, Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has suggested Chelsea could even consider making a move for their former manager, saying: “Do you think if Frank Lampard gets promotion with Coventry they could go back in for Frank? He’s done a great job at Coventry.
“He’s got a bit more experience now and he probably made a few mistakes the first time around… He would be a totally different manager now… If Frank went back into Chelsea, with all the experience he’s got now, I think he would do an amazing job, I really do.”
Of course, the board will be hoping to keep hold of Lampard if his side manages to go all the way, while it will also be very important to strengthen the squad ahead of a return to the Premier League, and they have now set their sights on a midfielder.
“Phenomenal” player at centre of Coventry and Ipswich transfer battle
According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon (via Sport Witness), Coventry and Ipswich could be set to do battle for the signature of Sunderland’s Dan Neil, who is currently on loan at Portman Road.
Neil’s Sunderland contract is set to expire in the summer, and it has already been confirmed he will leave the Stadium of Light, with two Championship promotion-chasers queuing up for his signature.
The Sky Blues are ‘major fans’ of the Englishman, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, and he could be a savvy addition to Lampard’s squad.
Indeed, the 24-year-old has managed to impress since arriving on loan at Ipswich in January, establishing himself as a regular starter, and the central midfielder recently put in a solid display in a 2-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday, winning five of the six duels he contested.
Lauded as “phenomenal” by Doncaster Rovers star Luke Molyneux, the South Shields-born midfielder was also a key player for Sunderland en-route to promotion last season, averaging 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Championship, the third-highest number in the squad.
However, Neil was unable to force his way into Regis Le Bris’ plans this season, appearing for just 13 minutes in the Premier League, and the fact he is unproven in the top flight may be a slight concern for Coventry.
Coventry now neck and neck with Wrexham in race to sign Premier League star with 33 England caps
The Championship rivals are both keen on a “fantastic” player.
