Coventry City 'confident' of finalising Carl Rushworth deal as Brighton open door

Coventry City are planning to make a new bid for Carl Rushworth and are confident they will get a deal done before the window closes.

The 25-year-old was a crucial part of the Coventry side which earned promotion to the Premier League last time out, and they are determined to bring him back to the CBS Arena.

With months still to go before the window closes on 3 September, the Sky Blues are prepaerd to bide their time if it means they are more likely to reach an agreement.

Former Coventry assistant manager Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rushworth remains Frank Lampard's top target for the summer window and he is determined to do a deal.

Brighton, meanwhile, are open to letting the goalkeeper leave but will only do so for the right price after they turned down Coventry's first offer worth around £20million.

If they are to get a deal over the line, the Sky Blues will have to shatter their record transfer fee, but plans are being put in place to ensure Rushworth returns this summer.

Will Coventry make a new offer to sign Carl Rushworth?

Football Insider revealed last month that Coventry are prepared to offer more than their initial £20million bid in their pursuit of Rushworth's signature this summer.

The Sky Blues hope to come to a compromise with Brighton over a reasonable fee, and talks are believed to have continues between all parties.

Rushworth was named as the Championship Player of the Season last time out, such was the strength of his performances, and Coventry and determined to seal his return.

"Rushworth is undoubtably the top target for Coventry this summer," Brown told Football Insider.

"When you look at how well he did for them last season, it's always been a no brainer for them to try and bring him back, especially with Brighton open to letting him go.

"They had that first offer turned down, £20million was never going to be enough for him so it came as no surprise, but that's not going to be the last of it.

"Whether it happens now or they have to wait until later in the window, Coventry and Frank Lampard are determined to do a deal and will push to make it happen.

"Because where are Coventry going to go to get a better goalkeeper than Rushworth in the current market? It's not going to happen, so they'll have to pay the asking price."

Which other goalkeepers are on Coventry's radar?

Despite pushing forward in their pursuit of Rushworth, Coventry have also been forced to assess other goalkeeping options in case they are unable to agree terms.

A number of goalkeepers have been considered, both domestically and in Europe, while they are also open to signing a backup for when Rushworth eventually arrives.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 3 July that Coventry are interested in signing Everton goalkeeper Mark Travers, who has a release clause in his contract.

Travers joined Everton from Bournemouth for £4million last summer, and any departure is likely to cost a similar fee if not more, with the Toffees likely to profit.

Since moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the goalkeeper has largely played backup to Jordan Pickford, and has made just two appearances, both in the Carabao Cup.