Frank Lampard has made Carl Rushworth his top summer transfer target as Coventry City prepare a fresh bid for the England goalkeeper.

The Sky Blues are confident they can finalise a deal before the 3 September transfer window closes, with Rushworth having starred in their Championship title-winning campaign last season.

What’s happening with Carl Rushworth?

Coventry City are planning a new bid for 25-year-old Carl Rushworth after Brighton rejected their initial £20million offer. Mick Brown, the former Coventry assistant manager, told Football Insider that Rushworth remains Frank Lampard’s priority signing this summer.

The Sky Blues are willing to wait and increase their bid if it means securing the England international. Brighton have indicated they could let him leave but only for the right price.

Why Frank Lampard wants Rushworth

Rushworth was named Championship Player of the Season last term after helping Coventry win promotion to the Premier League. His performances earned him the Sky Blues’ Player of the Year award too.

Brown said: “Rushworth is undoubtably the top target for Coventry this summer. When you look at how well he did for them last season, it’s always been a no-brainer to try and bring him back.”

What’s next for the transfer?

Talks between Coventry, Brighton and Rushworth’s camp are ongoing. The Sky Blues may need to shatter their existing £15million record transfer fee to land him.

If the deal collapses, Coventry have contingency plans. They’re also monitoring Everton goalkeeper Mark Travers, who has a release clause in his contract, according to a Football Insider report on 3 July.

Travers joined Everton from Bournemouth for £4million last summer but has made just two senior appearances so far. Any move would likely cost at least £4million again.

How this fits Frank Lampard’s squad plan

Lampard’s side are set for their first top-flight season since 2020/21. A reliable goalkeeper is vital after they conceded 56 goals in the Championship last year.

Rushworth has kept 18 clean sheets in his last 30 league games for Coventry. His shot-stopping and distribution would strengthen a defence that struggled against Premier League-level attacks.

The window doesn’t close until 3 September. Coventry and Brighton have months to bridge a gap that could exceed £20million.