Coventry Working on Late Deadline Day Signing as Time Runs Short

The Sky Blues are frantically trying to complete a late deal before the 11pm deadline — but with time running out and negotiations dragging on, Frank Lampard faces an anxious wait to see if his final piece of business can be done in time.

The Late Drama Unfolding at the CBS Arena

Coventry City are working on a very late deadline day signing but time could be a problem as the clock ticks towards the 11pm cut-off .

The Sky Blues have already spent over £110 million on 11 new signings this summer, including a club-record £26m deal for Caleb Yirenkyi . But with the window slamming shut in a matter of hours, Frank Lampard is still hoping to add one more piece to his Premier League puzzle.

Frank Lampard gave little encouragement at the weekend that more signings were on the way, telling reporters: “No, I don’t think so in terms of what we have brought into the club and where we’re at” .

But he then offered a glimmer of hope, pausing before adding: “Um, who knows because there’s a few days.”

Since then, of course, he’s added versatile defender Stephen Mfuni on a season-long loan from Manchester City . However, there’s still work to be done.

The Two Positions That Remain a Concern

There are two positions that remain of concern, on paper at least: left-back and left-wing .

Left-back: Jay Dasilva has been one of the big positives of the opening Premier League games, but quality cover and competition will be required . Mfuni can play as a left-sided central defender or left-back, but he’s an 18-year-old with only eight senior games for Watford in the Championship to his name .

City have been linked with late interest in Nice left-back Melvin Bard, valued at £8.5m . The 25-year-old French defender can also play as a left midfielder. But time is running out to get that deal done.

Left-wing: Ephron Mason-Clark is City’s only recognised winger for that side of the pitch. He’s convinced Lampard he’s Premier League ready, but a pre-season ‘niggle’ means he’s not yet fully up to speed . Brandon Thomas-Asante has been utilised as cover but is yet to convince this season .

The Mudryk Miss

One name that has been heavily linked with a move to the CBS Arena is Mykhailo Mudryk . The Chelsea winger is expected to leave Stamford Bridge on loan, with his preference to remain in the Premier League .

However, Sky Sports report that Tottenham Hotspur have made an approach for the Ukrainian flyer . Roberto De Zerbi worked with Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk — a factor that is said to be “enticing” for the player .

Chelsea initially preferred the idea of sending Mudryk to Strasbourg, but Mudryk’s desire to stay in the Premier League has opened the door for Spurs — leaving Coventry potentially missing out on their top target .

The Outgoings

While Coventry work on incomings, the exit door has been busier. The Sky Blues have confirmed that Liam Kitching has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan .

The 26-year-old vice-captain slipped down the pecking order following the arrival of three new centre-halves this summer . He has made 107 appearances for the club but was an unused substitute in Coventry’s opening two Premier League games .

Derby County and Burnley are also claimed to be interested in a deadline day move for Jake Bidwell . The 33-year-old left-back hasn’t made the bench in either Premier League game and is in the final year of his contract .

The Dream End to the Window

Coventry fans remain hopeful that Doug King will pull a late rabbit out of the hat today . The dream scenario would be adding a player with pace, goals and star quality .

The three ingredients fans are hoping for: pace, star quality, and goals .

With survival rivals Ipswich Town in talks over a loan deal for Tammy Abraham, Coventry fans will be watching the clock anxiously .

The Verdict

Coventry are working on a very late deadline day signing but time could be a problem.

The Sky Blues have spent over £110 million on 11 new signings — more than any other newly promoted side. But with the 11pm deadline approaching, Lampard and King face an anxious wait.

Will Melvin Bard arrive? Will another surprise name emerge? Or will Coventry be left with what they have?

One thing is certain: the clock is ticking