Coventry City are considering a move to sign AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori on a free transfer at the end of the season. The potential deal hinges on the club retaining their Premier League status, with manager Frank Lampard's relationship with the player considered central to its success.

Coventry currently sit 19th in the Premier League with six points from eight games, having lost their last two matches. Their next fixture is a key home game against 20th-placed Sunderland on Saturday. The club's position and recent form, which reads two wins and three defeats from the last five, underline the need to strengthen the squad for a survival fight.

Lampard's connection key to deal

Frank Lampard managed Tomori during a loan spell at Derby County and later gave him his Premier League debut after taking charge at Chelsea in 2019. That shared history is seen as a major advantage for Coventry in any negotiations. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has described Tomori as an ambitious target for the Sky Blues, but noted Lampard could provide the edge needed to pull off the signing.

Lampard is expected to leverage his connections from their time together to try and lure the 28-year-old to the CBS Arena. His role has reportedly placed Coventry in a strong position to agree terms should they stay up.

Competition and concerns for Tomori move

Coventry will face competition for Tomori's signature as a free agent, with his contract at AC Milan set to expire in June and no talks over a renewal taking place. Chelsea are also considering a move to re-sign the defender. Brown has voiced concerns about Tomori's suitability for the Premier League, suggesting a move to Coventry might be a surprise, but acknowledged the club must explore the opportunity.

Tomori is understood to be keen on a return to England's top flight to revive his career. He has started AC Milan's last two Europa League games but has seen only six minutes of Serie A action this season.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has said Coventry are interested in Tomori if he is allowed to leave Italy. The defender remains high on the club's list of targets, with his impending free agent status a significant temptation. Their survival bid continues at home on 31 October.

The original report is at Football Insider