Coventry City are currently planning to sign Aston Villa’s Ross Barkley, with the midfielder’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
What Frank Lampard said about Ross Barkley
Coventry manager Frank Lampard, who worked with Barkley during his time as Chelsea manager, praised the midfielder’s ability to create chances from nothing, saying: “The move to highly competitive Chelsea has given him a challenge. It’s up to him to show what he showed against England on Monday night, and what he’s already shown in parts since I’ve been here, because a midfield player who can go beyond players and use his right foot and left foot and conjure moments out of nothing is gold.”
In fact, the Englishman’s career at Stamford Bridge never really took off, and he was loaned out to OGC Nice before spending time at Luton Town in the 2023-24 Premier League season, where he racked up an impressive five goals and five assists in 32 games.
After impressing at Luton, the 32-year-old earned a move to Aston Villa and has been consistently getting first-team minutes this season, even if he is not ruled out due to injury.
However, the central midfielder’s future at Villa Park is in doubt as his contract expires in the summer, with Coventry City currently planning a summer move.
This is according to reporter Alan Nixon (via Football League World), who revealed that Villa have their sights set on a summer move for Barkley, as it remains unclear whether they will trigger their one-year contract extension option.
Not only is Lampard a fan of the Everton academy graduate, manager Unai Emery also singled out him in praise after the win against Leicester City, saying: “I’m also very happy with Ross Barkley today. His playing time was great.”
Coventry join Barkley in backing deal for Aston Villa midfielder
Former Aston Villa scout Brian King also hinted that the Sky Blues could make a move for Lamarre Bogarde alongside Barkley, saying: “He’s not an outstanding player and he’s never going to be a regular in the starting eleven. His opportunities at Villa are limited so maybe he feels he needs to go somewhere where he can get first-team regulars.”
“Look at Coventry City, they might be interested in him. They will need to strengthen their squad, that’s for sure. £15m would be a good sale for him. He has Premier League experience and that’s what Coventry are looking for.”
Bogarde has made 40 appearances in all competitions for Aston Villa this season, including 25 in the Premier League.
Lamar Bogard’s Premier League stats this season
Play time 874 minutes
89.7% pass success rate
Defensive contribution 50 times
37 recoveries
Win 48 duels
5 yellow cards
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