(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Fri 17 April 2026 7:30, UK

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Carl Rushworth has emerged as a leading target for Leeds United as they plan to sign a new first-choice goalkeeper in the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old, currently on loan at Coventry City from Brighton, has impressed watching scouts with his performances in the Championship this season.

He has played a key role in Frank Lampard’s side’s push for promotion and they are currently on course to lift the league title come the end of the season.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds have been keeping a close eye on his performances and are impressed by what they have seen.

While Coventry are keen to turn his loan move permanent, and Brighton may decide to keep hold of him, Leeds are making ambitions transfer plans and believe they could land a deal.

Could Leeds United sign Carl Rushworth?

Football Insider revealed last month that Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on Rushworth and have been impressed by his performances in Lampard’s side.

Coventry are understandably keen for him to stick around beyond the end of the season, but will face intense competition if they are to pull off a deal.

Despite his young age, his experience in the Championship have made the goalkeeper a key option for Leeds, who believe he still has room and time to improve.

“I’ve watched Carl Rushworth closely on a number of occasions,” Brown told Football Insider.

“I remember seeing him a couple of seasons ago and thinking he looked like a top-class keeper, so the next time I saw his team play I was watching him closely.

“When I saw him a third time, he played really well again, I was very impressed, and now he’s been doing a great job on loan at Coventry this season.

“When players like Rushworth are putting in performances while they’re on loan, it alerts other teams because there is a chance he will be available.

“Leeds are one of the teams looking at him and they’ve had scouts keeping a close eye on him.

“They’ll have been impressed by what he’s done at Coventry, so then they will assess whether he’s ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

“I think he’s good enough and I’m sure Leeds and any other interested clubs will do as well, so if he’s going to be available, he would be an excellent options.”

How to Brighton feel about selling Rushworth?

As a result of his impressive performances for Coventry this season, there have been suggestions he could return to Brighton to compete with Bart Verbruggen.

Meanwhile, concerns about Verbruggen’s long-term future at the Amex could result in the loanee being called upon as their first-choice goalkeeper in the near future.

However, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 24 March that Brighton are open to selling Rushworth and will weigh up offers for his signature should they arrive.

He will enter the final year of his contract at the Amex this summer, and with no progress made towards a new deal, they are likely to cash in.

They risk losing him on a free transfer in 2027 if they do not open the door for him to start, and that could play into the hands of the chasing pack.