Coventry City’s Carl Rushworth alternative is thriving at Southampton - they must muscle in | OneFootball

Coventry City should try and muscle in on Southampton's deal with Bayern Munich for Daniel Peretz if they can't sign Carl Rushworth this summer.

Coventry City’s healthy lead at the top of the table means you can understand why key figures at the club will already have one eye on the Premier League.

It’s imperative that the recruitment team are planning ahead, and you can be sure that they will have already drawn up a list of potential targets for Frank Lampard as the Sky Blues look to establish themselves back in the top flight.

The importance of shrewd signings can’t be understated for a newly-promoted team, with Sunderland the perfect example of how impactful a positive transfer window can be.

Of course, Lampard will be aware of that, and it will be interesting to see what Coventry’s XI looks like on the opening day of the Premier League season if they do go up.

Coventry City will be targeting a new goalkeeper this summer

One major issue potentially facing the Sky Blues is on goal.

Carl Rushworth joined the Midlands outfit on loan from Brighton in the summer, and he has been outstanding for the club, playing every game and keeping 14 clean sheets.

As well as brilliant reflexes, the 24-year-old is comfortable in possession, and he is also brave and willing to come for crosses.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that Coventry are pushing to sign Rushworth on a permanent basis if they win promotion, with reports claiming that the stopper is keen on leaving the Seagulls if he isn’t going to play.

Plus, it has been said that Brighton will be open to offers for around £20m, so if Coventry can finalise a deal for Rushworth, then it’s a no-brainer from their perspective, and he will undoubtedly be the priority going into the window.

Daniel Peretz would be a great alternative to Carl Rushworth for Coventry City

Given Rushworth’s performances, you would expect rival interest in the keeper, and whilst his connection with Coventry could give them an advantage, it’s not a certainty that he will return to the CBS Arena.

So, alternatives will have to be lined up, and one man who should be on Coventry’s radar is Southampton keeper Daniel Peretz.

It’s no exaggeration to say that his mid-season arrival from Bayern Munich has helped transform Saints’ season.

Peretz lost his first game against Hull, but Tonda Eckert’s side are unbeaten in the 12 he has played since then, picking up 30 points in the process, which is a remarkable return.

The 25-year-old has recorded six clean sheets in that period, and he has produced some huge moments for Southampton - as Coventry know to their cost.

The Israeli international was fantastic against Lampard’s side as Southampton won 2-1, making several incredible saves that ensured the team held on for a massive three points.

That wasn’t a one-off for Peretz, and even though it has been a real team effort from Eckert’s men, there’s no denying that his arrival has made a real difference.

With that in mind, it seems inevitable that Southampton will trigger the option to buy Peretz on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich in the summer - if it’s down to them.

German media outlets have explained that an €8m clause can be activated, which would represent a bargain in the modern game.

So, it would be difficult for Coventry to muscle in on any deal, but you would presume Peretz would still have to agree to the move, so there is an opportunity to hijack it, and if the Sky Blues can offer Premier League football to the keeper, and Saints stay in the Championship, he may be open to it.

Either way, it’s something worth exploring for Coventry, and, even if they have to raise the price offered to Bayern Munich, it could still be a smart investment.

The importance of a quality number one to a newly-promoted Premier League side is obvious, and it’s a position Coventry will need to address.

In an ideal world, Rushworth would return, but if that transfer can’t be agreed, Coventry could be in a difficult position. However, bringing Peretz to the club would ease many concerns, as his form with Southampton suggests he is capable of handling the step up to the Premier League.