Coventry City must eye transfer for Newcastle United ace as Tatsuhiro Sakamoto claim made | OneFootball

Newcastle United are prepared to sell Jacob Murphy, which must interest Premier League newcomers Coventry City

Coventry City are set for a vital summer as they vie to bolster their squad to help them survive in the Premier League following their Championship title triumph.

The Sky Blues ended a 25-year wait for top-flight football, earning an impressive tally of 95 points from their 46 league games.

Frank Lampard's men finished 11 points clear of Ipswich Town, who also clinched automatic promotion to the Premier League, and must strengthen their ranks too.

Cov have already completed some of their transfer activity, as Frank Onyeka's loan move from Brentford became a permanent deal following their promotion.

Coventry City must pounce following Newcastle United exit news

Coventry's players and Lampard deserve the immense credit that has come their way for winning the Championship title by a comfortable margin.

However, the Premier League is an entirely different beast from the second tier, meaning that the Sky Blues must strengthen their squad in every area of the pitch.

Sunderland and Leeds United, who both won promotion from the Championship last year, have shown the merits of successful recruitment, as they have comfortably survived in the top flight this term.

According to the Coventry Telegraph, the Sky Blues have eyed a move for Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley, who scored in his side's recent 2-2 draw with Burnley in the Premier League.

Barkley has earned bags of experience in the top flight while playing for Villa, Luton Town, Chelsea, and Everton, which could prove invaluable if he joins Lampard's men.

Meanwhile, The Times have revealed that Newcastle United are prepared to sell Jacob Murphy this summer, as Eddie Howe looks to refresh his squad.

The Magpies have fallen below their recent standards this season, and could finish in the bottom half of the Premier League despite their current three-game unbeaten run, which has included victories over Brighton and West Ham United.

Football League World's Coventry fan pundit Chris Deez revealed that he doesn't think Tatsuhiro Sakamoto will be starting in the top flight next season.

The 29-year-old notched a respectable return of seven goals and three assists in the Championship this season, but there are questions regarding whether he can bridge the gap between the second tier and the Premier League.

With that in mind, fellow right-winger Murphy, who Newcastle are willing to sell, could be an excellent upgrade on Sakamoto.

Amid competition from the likes of former Nottingham Forest ace Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes, Murphy has been given just 18 Premier League starts by Eddie Howe's men this term, and has consequently notched an underwhelming return of three goals and two assists.

However, last season, when the 31-year-old was a more regular feature, he scored eight goals and produced 12 assists in 35 Premier League outings, proving that if he could get back to those productive levels, he would be a more-than useful asset to a club like Coventry.

It may be the end of the road for the experienced wide player at St. James' Park this summer, but his Premier League journey does not have to end yet - providing Newcastle let him go for a reasonable price.

Jacob Murphy deal could go a long way towards helping Coventry survive in the Premier League

Coventry's survival chances hinge on multiple factors, while boss Lampard has attracted suitors following his successful Championship exploits.

Meanwhile, despite being a free-scoring machine in the second tier this term, the Sky Blues could struggle in attack in the Premier League, particularly against incredibly stingy opponents like Arsenal and Manchester City.

Having produced 20 goal contributions in the top flight last season, Murphy would be able to help Coventry in that vital department.

Furthermore, even though the former Norwich City man has played in the Champions League this season, he shouldn't have any qualms about joining a newly promoted side who can give him guaranteed game time in the Premier League.

The risk of course is that Coventry may be one of the favourites for relegation next season, but with additions of players like Murphy, they'll only enhance their survival hopes.