Coventry City should plot Stoke City move if Ipswich Town hijack Carl Rushworth transfer | OneFootball

Coventry City should turn their attention to Stoke's Viktor Johansson after increased interest in Carl Rushworth

Coventry City have one foot in the Premier League, with promotion to the top-flight nearly secured after a 25-year absence, orchestrated by former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard.

Coventry's time in the Championship is nearly over, as the Sky Blues prepare to embark on a journey into the Premier League after a long-term absence.

Led by Frank Lampard, Coventry have been far and away the best and most consistent side in the division this season, and are well worth a place in the top flight, and are targeting getting their hands on the Championship trophy in the process.

As with any side heading into the top flight these days, upgrades across the board will be required, and recruitment plans will already be well underway heading into the summer.

Goalkeeper will certainly need to be an area of addressing for Coventry, with their current number one being Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Carl Rushworth.

Rushworth has had an excellent season between the sticks at the CBS Arena, but unfortunately for Coventry, his performances haven't gone unnoticed elsewhere, with interest in the 24-year-old emerging, as the Sky Blues may be forced to turn their attentions elsewhere should a deal not get over the line.

Coventry should target Stoke's Viktor Johansson in case a move for Carl Rushworth falls through this summer

Current Coventry shot-stopper Rushworth is set to be a man in demand this summer, with Ipswich Town emerging as the latest club to take an interest in the Brighton loanee.

Rushworth has been phenomenal this year, as, according to FotMob, his 7.9 goals prevented this season is statistically the best of any other keeper in the league.

Understandably, the Sky Blues would therefore be keen to sanction a permanent return for the 24-year-old in the summer, though with interest hotting up in the England youth international, they may be forced to turn their attention elsewhere.

Stoke City's Viktor Johansson has been among the very best shot-stoppers in the league over the years, with his performances with Rotherham United earning him a move to the Potteries, where he has continued to shine.

Last season, only Burnley's James Trafford prevented more than Johansson's 10.8 goals, as per FotMob, with the Swede's efforts between the sticks crucial to keeping the Potters in the league.

This time around, he was on course for a similar figure when a shoulder injury against Sheffield United, sustained in late December, meant that he required surgery, and as a result, he has been out of action ever since.

Stoke maintained one of the best defensive records in the league up until the halfway point, and following his injury, has slipped down the table, with neither Gavin Bazunu nor Tommy Simkin able to replicate his form.

At 27, few would deny that Johansson has earned himself a Premier League move at this stage in his career, and with his deal at the bet365 Stadium due to expire in the summer of 2027, this summer could be Stoke's last chance to cash in on him.

In any case, Mark Robins' side would love to keep the Swede, though they are unlikely to begrudge him of a top-flight move if a side from the Premier League comes calling.

What sort of fee Stoke will be looking for to part ways with their star man remains to be seen, but with 12 months remaining on his current terms, it's unlikely that they will be able to command his true market value.

Should a deal for Rushworth fall through this summer, Johansson would be an excellent alternative, as the Swede should be high up on Lampard's list at Coventry heading into the upcoming window.

Frank Lampard must have the goalkeeper position as a priority targeted area heading into the summer amid Carl Rushworth rumours

Heading into the summer window, Lampard must be brutal when it comes to incomings in his Coventry side.

As Sunderland have shown this season, and Nottingham Forest previously, splashing the cash, whilst not a guaranteed metric of survival, has proven to boost survival prospects in the Premier League.

Burnley's lack of spending over the summer has meant that they have succumbed to relegation for months now, with Scott Parker's side's lack of quality proving to be their downfall.

Whilst Lampard would love to keep the bulk of his squad that helped the Sky Blues achieve their historic promotion, he may not have a choice but to bring in top-flight-ready players to prepare his squad for the upcoming campaign.

Oliver Dovin is unlikely to be relied upon in any instance, having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury back in April 2025, and hasn't appeared since.

Rushworth, whilst never having played in the Premier League, is clearly ready to make the step up and will almost certainly be playing in the league next year, whether that is with Coventry or elsewhere.

Johansson, too, has never managed a top-flight appearance, but is too ready to make the jump, and would be a smart choice should a deal for the Englishman not transpire.

It's set to be an exciting summer at the CBS Arena, as the goalkeeper should be a primary focus first and foremost heading into the window.