Coventry City: Transfer rumour round-up

The first real week of transfer activity and speculation involving Coventry City saw the Sky Blues release four players whose contracts are due to expire this summer.

Freddy Eastwood, goalkeeper Danny Ireland and veteran defender Herman Hreidarsson will leave the club shortly along with captain Sammy Clingan after he turned down the offer of a new deal that was on the table.

Seen as the focal point of Andy Thorn's team at the start of the season, Clingan failed to fulfil that role and his departure will not be mourned by many. Oliver Norwood outshone him in midfield after his arrival from Manchester United while Richard Keogh took on the mantle of the team's heart and soul.

It is no surprise then that Keogh is attracting attention from clubs who will be playing in the Championship next season, most notably from Ipswich Town where manager Paul Jewell is thought to be readying a bid for the talismanic defender.

Despite the announcement of 'constructive' talks between all interested parties with a stake in the Sky Blues and the Ricoh Arena, the club of course remains under a transfer embargo.

Andy Thorn has said he is ready to hit the ground running once that is lifted and his most likely early target is City fan James Collins, impressive up front for Shrewsbury as they were promoted from League Two this season but out of contract in the summer.

AFC Wimbledon midfielder Sammy Moore was also mentioned in despatches but suspicions that this was merely a negotiating tool were confirmed when he signed a new deal with his current club.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.