Coventry City make new plan as Brighton respond to £20m Carl Rushworth bid

Coventry City have been knocked back in their attempts to sign Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth on a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an outstanding loan spell at the CBS Arena last season, where his performances won him the Championship player of the season award.

He played a key role in Frank Lampard's side winning the title and promotion to the Premier League, and they are determined to keep hold of him.

However, former Coventry assistant manager Mick Brown told Football Insider that Brighton value Rushworth higher than the initial £20million offer tabled.

That is not expected to deter the Sky Blues from making a fresh move, with an increased offer likely to be submitted as the goalkeeper is their top target this summer.

However, following their promotion to the Premier League, they will now be made to contend with the finances and valuations involved in bid deals.

Could Coventry City increase their bid for Rushworth?

Football Insider revealed in March that Brighton are open to letting Rushworth leave, but will only do so for the right price as they hope to cash in on his sale.

Coventry have made the first move for his signature, with their initial offer totalling £20million including add-ons, but they are prepared to increase their offer.

Lampard is determined to keep the bulk of his squad together ahead of their promotion to the top flight, and securing a permanent deal for Rushworth is a priority.

"Carl Rushworth is a top-class goalkeeper and he's showed that at Coventry," Brown told Football Insider.

"It didn't come as a surprise to me when I saw he'd won the player of the season award, because whenever I've watched him I've thought he has the potential to be an outstanding player.

"From Coventry's point of view, I would expect they will push to get this over the line, because he's been such an important player for them.

"They now have to prepare to step up into the Premier League, but now they're going to have to pay Premier League prices for Premier League players.

"If they're going to have any chance at all of staying up, they need to have a good goalkeeper, and he is the one they want. Unfortunately, it's going to cost them more than £20million.

"That's below the price Brighton are going to be asking for, I don't think it'll be enough, but Coventry are determined to get it done so I'm sure they will come back with another offer."

Which other clubs are interested in Rushworth?

Should Coventry miss out on a permanent deal to sign Rushworth, there are a number of Premier League clubs placed on high alert over his potential availability.

His performances at the CBS Arena over the last season have attracted high-profile interest, with a number of clubs in the top flight in need of a new shot-stopper.

Brown told Football Insider in April that Leeds United are interested in signing Rushworth and scouts had been keeping a close eye on his displays.

Should Coventry miss out on his signature, Daniel Farke's side are poised to make a move as they accelerate plans to strengthen in goal during the summer.

Concerns about the long-term futures of Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri have forced the Peacocks into the market, and they will be keeping a close eye on Coventry's bid.