5 players Coventry City should sign ft 10-goal Burnley FC forward | OneFootball

Football League World has taken a look at five players Frank Lampard's Coventry City must sign following their long-awaited Premier League return

Coventry City have done remarkably well to end their 25-year wait for Premier League football, but they now have plenty of work to do in the summer transfer window.

Frank Lampard has deservedly earned plaudits for leading the Sky Blues to the Championship title, but he must now build a squad that is capable of surviving in the top flight.

Lampard is no stranger to managing in the Premier League, following his stints in charge of both Chelsea and Everton.

However, the 47-year-old was sacked by the Merseyside outfit in January 2023, while his second spell at Stamford Bridge was also highly underwhelming.

Football League World has taken a look at five players Coventry should sign to bolster their Premier League survival chances under Lampard's stewardship.

Carl Rushworth

Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth has done an incredible job on loan with Coventry from Brighton this term, maintaining 17 clean sheets in 46 Championship appearances.

The 24-year-old kept more clean sheets in the second tier than any other goalkeeper this season, proving that he is good enough to make the step-up to the Premier League.

According to The Standard, Coventry are the frontrunners to sign Rushworth permanently this summer, despite rival interest from Newcastle United.

The Sky Blues must ensure that they land their move for the Brighton man, as he would be capable of adjusting to the top flight, while obtaining his permanent signature would eradicate the need to search for another talented goalkeeper.

Ross Barkley

Coventry have already strengthened their midfield ranks, as Frank Onyeka's loan move from Brentford became a permanent deal following their promotion to the Premier League.

However, the Sky Blues still need more top-flight experience in key areas of the pitch.

Alan Nixon has revealed via Patreon that both Coventry and Fulham have eyed summer swoops for Ross Barkley, who is set to leave Aston Villa when his contract expires this summer.

Nixon's report states that the Craven Cottage outfit can offer Barkley a more competitive wage than the Sky Blues.

However, the former Chelsea midfielder played under Lampard at Stamford Bridge, which is a connection the Coventry boss should utilise to sign the 32-year-old.

Zian Flemming

Burnley have been relegated back to the Championship, having struggled in the Premier League this term, but striker Zian Flemming has proven that he is worthy of staying in the top flight.

The former Millwall man scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season when the Clarets drew 2-2 with an Aston Villa outfit who could win the Europa League.

Coventry were by far the highest scorers in the Championship this season, notching 97 goals in their 46 league games, but there are doubts over how strikers Ellis Simms, Haji Wright, and Brandon Thomas-Asante may adjust to the Premier League.

In contrast, Flemming has already proven himself as a reasonably reliable goalscorer in the top flight, even for a Burnley side who have been poor.

Dennis Cirkin

Coventry left-back Jay Dasilva has proven himself as one of the best fullbacks in the Championship, but Premier League opponents will test his defensive ability more sternly.

Meanwhile, Sunderland's Dennis Cirkin has gained some top-flight experience by making eight league appearances for the Black Cats this season.

Cirkin should be keen on enjoying more game time next term, while he would be able to provide Dasilva with stronger competition than that of Jake Bidwell, and could even beat the former Bristol City man to a regular starting spot.

???????Issa Diop

Coventry's defence lacks Premier League experience, which is an issue which Lampard must address this summer.

Talented centre-backs such as Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching have shone in the Championship this season, but the Sky Blues need someone with more top-flight nous.

With that in mind, Fulham's Issa Diop could be an ideal signing for Lampard's men, having played in the Premier League since signing for West Ham United in the summer of 2018.

Diop has endured a lack of game time at Craven Cottage this term, which should make him keen on a move to the CBS Arena, should Coventry come knocking.