Coventry City are preparing for another season of Championship football after defeat to Sunderland in the play-off semi-finals.
It was a valiant effort from the Sky Blues to make it into the top six having recovered well under Frank Lampard. They seemed unlikely to figure anywhere near the promotion picture after a dismal start to the campaign under Mark Robins.
coventry city boss frank lampard
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Now though, they will rest up and recharge before going again in pre-season. All the while, recruitment staff will be working on deals for new signings.
Among the names recently linked with Coventry City has been full-back Kaine Kesler-Hayden, who will be back at parent club Aston Villa after a successful season in the Championship with Preston North End.
Now though, writing for Birmingham World, reporter Charlie Haffenden has said the Sky Blues could face competition from Southampton for his signature.
The Saints are set to lose go-to right-back Kyle Walker-Peters at the end of his contract this summer and Kesler-Hayden would appear to be a direct replacement. Recent loan club Preston also have hopes of keeping the 22-year-old, but they could be outgunned financially in their pursuit.
Starring in the Championship
Kesler-Hayden has spent numerous spells on loan in the EFL now, gaining experience with Swindon Town, MK Dons, Huddersfield Town and Plymouth Argyle before his move to Preston North End.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, it has been the Coventry City target’s stay at Deepdale where he has really kicked on and proven his abilities at Championship level.
coventry city, Relegated club joins Coventry City in chase for Championship loan star
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
Kesler-Hayden was among the stronger performers for Paul Heckingbottom’s side, chipping in with two goals and three assists in 44 Championship games. He was regularly used on either the left or right flanks, playing as a full-back or wing-back.
Coventry City up against it?
Coventry City are far from hard up financially. They have spent well in recent seasons in their bid to push into the Premier League and will more than likely do so again this summer.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, going up against Southampton for Kesler-Hayden’s signature could prove a real challenge.
The Saints come down with plenty of money in the bank and they need a Walker-Peters replacement. You have to think they will be able to offer Aston Villa more money than the Sky Blues, and their better chances of promotion could make them a more attractive option to Kesler-Hayden.
Time will tell just what comes of his situation though, with other clubs likely to be keeping tabs.