What Coventry City are now set to do in Carl Rushworth transfer race | OneFootball

Carl Rushworth's representatives are set to have talks with Coventry imminently over discussing a permanent switch

Coventry City will be officially playing Premier League football next season for the first time in over 25 years, with Frank Lampard having guided the Sky Blues back to the top flight after a memorable season.

Things couldn't have gone much better for Coventry this campaign.

A 1-1 draw away to Blackburn Rovers secured their promotion back to the promised land, with a 5-1 home thrashing of Portsmouth meaning they secured the title in style.

All focus will now be on next season and the summer window for those higher up at Coventry, as it's almost certainly bound to be a busy window in terms of incomings and outgoings at the CBS Arena.

Numerous upgrades will need to be made across the squad, something which Lampard will be well aware of, as the former Chelsea and England midfielder tries to find the right balance between keeping the core of the side that helped them to promotion, but upgrading areas of weakness.

Goalkeeper will be a priority target for Coventry, as steps have already been taken place to address this.

Carl Rushworth's representatives are set for talks with Coventry over a possible permanent switch from Brighton

English shot-stopper Carl Rushworth joined Coventry on loan in the summer from Brighton and Hove Albion to replace the injured Oliver Dovin between the sticks, and has arguably been Lampard's most crucial signing since joining the club, arguably alongside Matt Grimes.

According to FotMob, no goalkeeper in the Championship has prevented more than his seven goals this season, with the 24-year-old having been in a league of his own this year, being a crucial factor in the Sky Blues' achievement.

Unsurprisingly, Coventry are keen to make this move a permanent one this summer, as, according to Alex Crook via X, representatives of Rushworth are keen to meet with Coventry over the coming days to discuss a potential permanent deal from Brighton, though a few dominoes must fall first for this deal to accelerate.

Brighton have the likes of Bart Verbruggen, Jason Steele, James Beadle, and Rushworth in their ranks, with the latter two out on loan in the Championship with Birmingham City and Coventry, respectively.

Dutch number one Verbruggen has been linked with a move to Newcastle United, though the Magpies also reportedly hold an interest in Manchester City's James Trafford, as Eddie Howe's side are set to decide on Nick Pope's successor this summer.

As a result, Brighton have been linked with Lens' Robin Risser and Freiburg's Noah Atubolu, as any arrival of another shot-stopper would almost certainly allow Rushworth to leave this summer.

Though Rushworth himself is set to be a man in demand heading into the window, with as many as six Premier League clubs tracking his situation, including Leeds United, as per FootballInsider.

With promotion secured, Coventry likely have an advantage in negotiations when it comes to Rushworth, something Lampard will be hoping to take advantage of to nail down the Englishman as their number one this summer, with negotiations between the players' representatives and clubs set to begin.

Frank Lampard will be keen to get the Carl Rushworth deal over the line at Coventry

Few people will be more eager to complete a permanent swoop for Rushworth this summer than head coach Lampard.

The Englishman has been truly exceptional between the sticks at the CBS Arena this season, and tying him down on a permanent basis would be an incredible piece of business for the Sky Blues, as they are set to embark on another long-awaited Premier League journey.

Rushworth has the potential to thrust himself into the England squad in the coming years, with this season being his best to date, having had previous loan spells with the likes of Walsall, Lincoln City, Swansea City, and Hull City to varying degrees of success.

Having never made a senior appearance for Brighton, at 24, the Seagulls are set to see a sizeable profit on their youth product, who will almost certainly be on his way out this summer. Though as for his destination, that remains up in the air, as Coventry tries to get their noses in front.