Coventry City are paying the price for their failure to get promoted last season.
Frank Lampard turned the Sky Blues’ fortunes around when he joined in November, taking Coventry from a potential relegation battle to a top six finish.
Sunderland beat Coventry in a dramatic Championship play-off semi-final but their performances mean key players have been targeted.
Luis Binks has departed for Brondby and Lampard was linked with Southampton before they chose Will Still instead.
Now, another key target is being tipped for a Premier League move, but the West Midlands outfit cannot sell him.
Frank Lampard after the Coventry City v AFC Sunderland Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Jack Rudoni celebrates his goal for Coventry City against Middlesbrough
Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
Newcastle United eye Jack Rudoni
Coventry may have had a frustrating transfer window, but not as frustrating as Newcastle United’s.
Eddie Howe’s men have missed out on endless targets but aren’t giving up and according to the Daily Mail, the Magpies have added Rudoni to their shortlist of options.
With a Champions League campaign coming up, Howe needs to bolster his squad and Rudoni, who wasn’t in Coventry’s squad for the friendly against St Pauli, is under consideration.
Last season, the 24-year-old registered 22 goal contributions and Lampard hailed his performances.
In May 2025, he said: “He’s such a talented boy and he’s a pleasure to work with.
“He’s brilliant – great energy, great quality, the way he moves with the ball and he can score different types of goals.”
Coventry cannot let Jack Rudoni go if they want promotion
There is more to Coventry than Rudoni but if you were to pick a player out, he would be the one.
He will be the first name on Lampard’s team sheet and unless injury keeps him out, he will play against Hull City.
Premier League interest is hard to resist but after losing one key player already, losing another would be a big concern.
Losing 22 goal contributions would hit hard and if they really want to get promotion at the third attempt, he must stay.