Coventry are now planning to sign former Luton star Frank Lampard who he described as “gold”.

Coventry City are now set to sign Ross Barkley from Aston Villa, with the midfielder’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

What Frank Lampard said about Ross Barkley

Coventry boss Frank Lampard, who worked with Barkley when he was manager of Chelsea, praised the midfielder’s ability to create chances from nothing, saying: “His move here to Chelsea where the competition has given him challenges, and it’s up to him to show what he showed in England on Monday night, and this he’s shown in parts since I’ve been here because midfielders who can move with a player and who can use their right and left foot and link up for a while with nothing are golden.”

In fact, the Englishman’s career at Stamford Bridge didn’t really take off, when he was loaned out to OGC Nice, before spending time with Luton Town in the 2023-24 Premier League season, and he scored a very respectable five goals and five assists in 32 games.

After a spell at Luton, the 32-year-old moved to Aston Villa, and has been given first-team opportunities while injury-free this season.

However, there are doubts over the midfielder’s future at Villa Park, with his contract set to expire in the summer, and Coventry City now planning a summer move.

That’s according to journalist Alan Nixon (via Football League World), who reveals that Villa are looking at a summer move for Barkley, as it’s unclear whether Villa will open the option to extend the contract for one year.

Not only is Lampard a favorite of the Everton academy graduate, but Unai Emery also praised him after the win over Leicester City, saying: “Today I am also very happy with Ross Barkley. He was good in the minutes he played.”

Coventry are backing the signing of another Aston Villa midfielder alongside Barkley

Former Aston Villa scout Bryan King has also suggested the Sky Blues could move for Lamare Bogarde alongside Barkley, saying: “He’s not a key player, and he’s never going to be a regular in the XI. His chances at Villa are slim, maybe he feels he needs to go where he can get regular first-team football.

“Look at Coventry City, they’d be interested in him. They’ll need to strengthen their squad, that’s for sure. I’d say £15m would be a good deal for him. He’s got Premier League experience, and that’s what Coventry will be looking for.”

Bogarde has made 40 appearances for Aston Villa in all competitions this season, including 25 in the Premier League.

Lamare Bogarde’s Premier League stats this season

• 874 minutes played

• 89.7% passed successfully

• 50 defensive contributions

• 37 he recovered

• 48 duels won

• 5 yellow cards

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