'Not a chance in hell' - Fresh reaction given as West Ham plot Coventry City transfer raid | OneFootball

Coventry City defender Bobby Thomas has been linked with a January switch to West Ham United

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Coventry City star Bobby Thomas has been one of the standout defenders in the EFL Championship this season, with recent links to Premier League strugglers West Ham United emerging.

A sublime first half of the season has seen Coventry propel themselves to the top of the league table, led by former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard.

The Sky Blues' attack has rightfully earned plaudits for their performances this season, but key to the position they find themselves in has been their defence.

Carl Rushworth in goal has been arguably the best keeper in the division this campaign, though his job has been made much easier by being shielded by Liam Kitching and Bobby Thomas in front of him.

Kitching and Thomas have emerged as Lampard's preferred duo in Coventry's back four, with The Daily Mail reporting that Premier League strugglers West Ham have shortlisted the Englishman as a potential option this January.

With Premier League football a real possibility for the Sky Blues next season, they will understandably be reluctant to let any key player depart this winter, with Thomas being no different.

Bobby Thomas has emerged as one of the Championship's best defenders, with West Ham circling for his signature

Football League World's Coventry fan pundit, Chris, has shared their thoughts on Thomas being shortlisted as a potential option at West Ham, and whether they could see the defender jump ship for the Hammers this January.

Chris said, "He may have gone down in my estimations a little bit after his reckless, ridiculous behaviour at the end of the Birmingham game, but there's not a chance in hell that I would let Bobby Thomas leave in January."He's not had the best couple of months, you know, during a bad run of form, he's looked a little bit shaky, but when he and Liam Kitching are at their best and communicating and gelling together, they're one of the best centre-back pairings that we've had in club history, and I mean that."West Ham look almost certain to be coming down to the Championship, bar a complete and utter miracle and a wild turn in form."I think the only slight positive is that at this time of year, we could reasonably ask for probably around £20 million for him. If that's what Hull wanted for Charlie Hughes, I don't see any reason we couldn't get that for Bobby Thomas. I'm not particularly worried."He might not be a January target. He might be someone that they're looking at in the summer, depending on if they stay up or go down, obviously, depending on if we go up or stay in the Championship."But no, I'm fairly confident Bobby is our player. He wants to help us get promoted to the Premier League, so nothing to worry about."

Losing Bobby Thomas would deal a huge blow to Frank Lampard and Coventry City's promotion hopes

Should Coventry achieve promotion back to the top flight this season, they will be playing Premier League football for the first time in over 25 years.

This season is their best opportunity to reach the top flight since they were relegated in 2001, and Lampard will be keen to see the core of his squad stay together beyond the January window.

Thomas has made 22 league appearances this season, though he is set to serve a three-match suspension following his red card against Birmingham City in early January.

Alongside Kitching, the duo have developed a strong partnership in the heart of defence, and any major changes to that back line may destabilise the side.

Thomas likely has a better chance of playing Premier League football next season if he sticks with Coventry instead of moving to West Ham, with the Hammers' predicament in the lower reaches of the top flight looking increasingly insecure.

The former Burnley defender would be a huge loss for Coventry, who must do everything they can to keep him around beyond this winter.