Frank Lampard playing key role as Coventry City accelerate Fikayo Tomori move

Coventry City are plotting a move to sign AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori as they hope to add experience to their squad this summer.

Frank Lampard is a big fan of the 28-year-old, and the pair enjoy a strong relationship after the boss handed him his breakthrough into the Chelsea first team in 2019.

As a result, he is expected to play a key role in pushing Coventry to agree terms as the centre-back could be allowed to leave AC Milan in the summer transfer window.

Former Coventry assistant manager Mick Brown told Football Insider that Tomori is very much on the Sky Blues' radar and could be tempted by a reunion with Lampard.

Coventry are accelerating their transfer plans, with ambitious aims to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League in the upcoming season.

Tomori is seen as an ambitious target for them, but there is a growing feeling they could get a move over the line if they are made aware of his availability.

Could Coventry City make a move for Fikayo Tomori?

Football Insider revealed on 11 July that AC Milan are open to letting Tomori move on amid growing interest from clubs looking to bring him back to English football.

Since his move to Serie A, the centre-back has strengthened his reputation and gained plenty of winning experience which would be seen as a valuable asset to Coventry.

While they are not the only club keeping a close eye on his sitaution, the defender's relationship with Lampard could be a deciding factor for Coventry.

"Coventry know they're going to have to strengthen their squad this summer," Brown told Football Insider.

"The problem they've got is, for the most part, they're not going to be able to compete with other Premier League clubs for the same players because of the money involved.

"So they have to be smart and utlisie the assets they have, and with Tomori, that would be the fact Frank Lampard knows him well.

"He will have been keeping a close eye on his performances for AC Milan, and he already knows the pros and cons of his game after working with him at Chelsea.

"That relationship will be key for Coventry, because Tomori could be convinced to come back to England and reuinite with his former manager.

"It might be something that gives them the edge over other clubs who are interested, and if AC Milan are willing to let him go, I would expect Coventry to test the waters.

"He's got plenty of experience in Italy, in the Premier League, and with the England team as well, which would be a big boost for Coventry and their plans for the season."

Which other clubs are interested in signing Tomori?

Despite Lampard's influence and likely sway in their pursuit, Coventry will face rival interest in Tomori, with a number of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on his situation.

Should he be allowed to leave AC Milan, clubs will be placed on high alert, with the likes of Newcastle United have been long-term admirers of the England international.

Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 9 July that Crystal Palace could make a move to sign Tomori as they aim to strengthen at centre-back this summer.

The Eagles are bracing to receive offers for Maxence Lacroix, having lost Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, and the position has become a pirority as a result.

Tomori's potential availability, as well as his experience, has seen the Eagles tipped to make a move as he could become an important player for them.