Coventry City lead Birmingham City and Sheffield United in race to sign Brentford star | OneFootball

Coventry City are leading the race to sign Frank Onyeka from Brentford, with the clubs in talks over a loan or a permanent deal for the midfielder.

Coventry City are ‘leading’ the race to sign Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, as they look to strengthen Frank Lampard’s squad ahead of Monday’s deadline.

The Sky Blues have enjoyed a brilliant campaign so far, with the Midlands outfit currently top of the Championship as they look to return to the Premier League.

However, a run of seven points from their past six games has seen their gap at the top reduced, with Coventry eight points clear of third-placed Ipswich Town, who have a game in hand.

Coventry City in talks to sign Frank Onyeka from Brentford

Therefore, fans are hoping for reinforcements to help the squad, and it was claimed earlier this month that Onyeka was a target for the Sky Blues.

And, in a fresh development, the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (12:20) revealed that Coventry are making progress in their bid to land the Nigerian international.

It’s stated that Coventry are open to a loan deal or a permanent one for Onyeka, with discussions ongoing between the two clubs.

Crucially, they add that whilst there is interest in the player from Birmingham, Sheffield United and Valencia, it’s the Sky Blues who are ‘thought to be leading’ the race to secure Onyeka’s signature.

Brentford are unlikely to stand in the way of the 28-year-old departing if they get a suitable offer, as Onyeka has barely featured for Keith Andrews’ side this season, making just six Premier League appearances, all of which came as a substitute.

Frank Onyeka has qualities that Coventry City are lacking in midfield

This is hugely encouraging for Coventry, as many fans feel they need another midfielder to improve the squad, and Onyeka is a player with a different profile to what they currently have.

As he proved in the AFCON with Nigeria, Onyeka is a very good all-round player who would bring energy, mobility and physicality to the Sky Blues side.

That strength and the ability to win the ball back is what Coventry are lacking right now, and you would expect the likes of Matt Grimes and Victor Torp to flourish with someone like Onyeka in the XI.

Furthermore, Coventry would be getting a player with a point to prove. The ex-Midtjylland man will be disappointed at how this season has gone for him, and, in truth, he has failed to truly establish himself as an important player for the Bees over the years.

So the chance for a fresh start could be just what he needs, meaning this is a potential deal that suits all parties, and it would be another shrewd addition for Coventry following the arrival of Romaine Esse as they look to win promotion to the Premier League.