Frank Lampard wants former rangers man to kickstart Coventry’s Premier League return

Coventry City are expected to be linked with plenty of names between now and the close of the summer transfer window as they prepare for their long-awaited return to the Premier League after 26 years away.

The Sky Blues powered their way to the Championship title this season, finishing 11 points clear of second-placed Ipswich Town to secure automatic promotion back to the top flight.

Focus has now shifted towards how manager Frank Lampard can strengthen his squad and give Coventry the best possible chance of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship through smart recruitment this summer.

Lampard has already been linked with a move for Ross Barkley, with GIVEMESPORT reporting interest in the Aston Villa midfielder, who could join a fifth Premier League side if he remains in the division after his Villa contract expires.

However, Coventry’s recruitment plans do not stop there, with another far less familiar name now emerging on their radar.

Reports suggest the Sky Blues are keen on signing forgotten Rangers defender Leon King, who could be available for a relatively small compensation fee this summer.

The 22-year-old may not be widely recognised given his lack of involvement at Rangers in recent seasons, although he has still made 42 appearances for the Glasgow side, with the majority coming during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns.

This season, King has spent time away from Ibrox on loan with Ayr United in the Scottish Championship and he has impressed.

Since arriving last summer, King has featured 27 times for Ayr and established himself as one of the club’s standout performers, sweeping the end-of-season awards by winning Player of the Year, Fans’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.

Coventry could potentially land the defender for a bargain this summer.

King’s contract at Rangers expires at the end of the season, meaning he is set to become a free agent, although compensation would likely still be required due to his age.

According to Teamtalk, Coventry face competition for his signature, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley both said to have carried out extensive scouting checks on the centre-back. Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth are also believed to be monitoring the situation.

King even made his Champions League debut against Liverpool in 2022, with former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp left impressed by the youngster’s composure.

Speaking after the match, Klopp said: “An 18-year-old boy at Anfield for his first Champions League game? I’d say it was positive that he didn’t fall over the ball because of nerves. He played a good game and that says a lot about him.”