Carl Rushworth name-drops Doug King in fresh Coventry City transfer hint | OneFootball

The on-loan Brighton star has expressed his gratitude towards Coventry City after winning the Championship title

Coventry City lifted the Championship title on Sunday following their 3-1 win over Wrexham, and it won't be long until planning for the Premier League becomes the sole focus at the CBS Arena.

It's become an unfortunate reality over the past few seasons that major squad overhauls need to be made to help second-tier sides compete in the top-flight, even those who have dominated proceedings over the past nine months en route to a title win.

One man who is certainly ready to make that step up from the Championship to the Premier League, though, is Carl Rushworth, who has excelled in between the sticks for Frank Lampard this season. Unfortunately, the Sky Blues may struggle to keep him ahead of their return.

Indeed, the 24-year-old is set to return to parent club Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of the season, and coming off the back of a campaign so good that it had him shortlisted for the league's Player of the Season, which is some feat for a goalkeeper, more established Premier League sides will likely be knocking on the door at the Amex to try and take him themselves.

Carl Rushworth drops Coventry City transfer hint following title win

It's been reported in the past that Brighton values Rushworth between £15 and £20 million, a pricetag which will be easier for some of the more established Premier League sides to pay.

But, there's always that hope that, given how positive the current campaign has been for the shot-stopper at the CBS Arena, he would rather prioritise Coventry than some of the other potential suitors.

During the game and throughout the trophy presentation, Coventry fans chanted, "Sign the contract" at the 24-year-old, with Frank Lampard also joining in at one point.

In response, while filming a message for the Sky Bet Championship socials, reported via Coventry Live, Rushworth said, "What a feeling, honestly, I can't put it into words.

"To have your backing, it's unbelievable, and I am so proud of the lads and to you as fans, to get us over the line.

"I'm looking forward to what's next, hopefully, but that's Doug's problem."

Doug King must prioritise Carl Rushworth's permanent stay in the summer

As Rushworth said, his future isn't really in his own hands. Now, it's down to Coventry owner Doug King to grant Sky Blues fans' wishes and try to make a permanent deal happen in the coming offseason.

King has stressed that the club won't be spending "zillions and trillions" in the summer to compete with the fresh demands of the Premier League, instead looking for players of value.

There's no doubt that Rushworth is exactly that, though, as the Sky Blues' position atop the Championship and with the best defensive record in the division can be largely attributed to the shot-stopper.

Per Fotmob, no goalkeeper has prevented more goals this season in relation to the expected goals he's faced across the campaign. He's kept the most clean sheets heading into the final week of the season, and his 120 saves rank in the top 10% of goalkeepers in the division.

But it's not just his ability to keep the ball out of the net which has impressed Championship fans this season. Rushworth has also been one of the better goalkeepers with the ball at his feet. He alone has created six chances this season and also has one assist to his name.

There'll be a focus on ensuring that enough Premier League-ready players are added to Frank Lampard's fold this summer, and the 24-year-old clearly fits that bill. It's up to the club now to make sure it happens.