Frank Lampard 'key' to Fikayo Tomori future as 'surprise' Coventry City move possible
Coventry City could make a move to sign AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old looks increasingly likely to return to the Premier League, with his contract at AC Milan set to expire in June, with no talks over a renewal as things stand.
While much will depend on whether the Sky Blues are still in the top flight, the centre-back's relationship with Frank Lampard will be key to pushing a deal over the line.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Tomori would be an ambitious signing for Coventry and Lampard can play an important role in pulling it off.
The boss has been tipped to utilise his connections built during their time together at Chelsea to lure the highly-regarded England international to the CBS Arena.
Coventry will face no shortage of competition for Tomori, especially on a free transfer, but his relationship with Lampard could be key to beating their rivals to the punch.
Could Coventry move to sign Fikayo Tomori?
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider during the summer that Coventry are interested in signing Tomori if he is allowed to leave AC Milan.
While the level of competition for his signature could make it hard to pull off a deal, he remains high on their list, and his availability as a free agent could tempt them to make a move.
Lampard will inevitably play a key role in any deal that is agreed between Tomori and Coventry, and the manager's role has placed them in a strong position to agree terms.
"There are a few concerns about Tomori and whether he would be a good fit for the Premier League," Brown told Football Insider.
"So if any team was going to take a chance to bring him in, you'd think it would be somebody who knows him well, knows his qualities and his weaknesses as well.
"A move to Coventry might be a bit of a surprise, but with Frank Lampard it could be on the cards, because the manager obviously knows him well and knows what he can do.
"He'll know all about the pros and cons of any deal, where he would fit into his plans, and whether he is capable of playing and making a difference regularly in the Premier League.
"Coventry, if they can stay in the Premier League which is still a long way off yet, will be wanting to improve their squad again.
"The opportunity to sign somebody with Tomori's quality and experience on a free transfer is something they have to look into, and Lampard could give them an edge."
Which other clubs are interested in Tomori?
Coventry are not the only club being linked with a move to sign Tomori next summer, with his potential availability placing clubs across European football on high alert.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 21 October that Chelsea are considering a move to re-sign Tomori as he still has a number of admirers at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alnoso is not completely content with his current centre-back options, and while his starting trio has been relatively set so far this season, further depth is required.
The lack of depth, while not yet considered a problem, has pushed the Blues to assess the market for options, and landing Tomori on a free transfer could be an option.