Frank Lampard must push to get Coventry City, Crystal Palace transfer sorted | OneFootball

Coventry City have been linked with Crystal Palace's Rob Holding, which is a transfer that Frank Lampard should prioritise this winter.

Coventry City entered a new era recently under the stewardship of England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

Many expected the Sky Blues to be a real threat to the promotion places this season, but in fact, they have suffered in the bottom half of the table for the majority of the campaign as their results have been hugely inconsistent.

Their form resulted in the shock sacking of fan-favourite manager, Mark Robins, who had achieved great success in his seven-and-a-half-year spell at the club. Coventry then turned a big name, in Lampard, in an attempt to turn their form around and climb up the table.

Lampard came into the role with a lot to prove after his failings at Chelsea and Everton, but he is no stranger to the Championship, having once guided Derby County to a play-off final.

Coventry's results have remained rather inconsistent since the arrival of Lampard, as within just five days, his side beat Plymouth Argyle 4-0, after losing 4-1 to Portsmouth.

The January transfer window is finally here, which will allow Lampard to make his first signings at the club and begin to build his own team and identity.

Lampard has some big decisions to make this winter, regarding potential incomings as well as keeping hold of his current big stars. One name from Crystal Palace has recently appeared on Coventry's radar, which could be a transfer worth pushing for.

Crystal Palace's Rob Holding linked with a move to Coventry City

According to the Sun, Frank Lampard is planning a raid for Palace defender Rob Holding in the January transfer window.

Holding has been completely frozen out of the Eagles squad this season, after a reported falling out with manager, Oliver Glasner, so that will leave the door wide open for Coventry City to swoop in if they wish to do so.

The experienced centre-back had even been left out of the first-team squad photo in the summer and has been training with Palace's U21s, having not featured once for Glasner's side this season.

In fact, ever since joining the South London side in the summer of 2023, he has failed to make a single Premier League appearance, so he will be desperate to play senior football once again.

Rob Holding to Coventry is a move that would benefit all parties

The former Arsenal defender would be a solid pickup for the Sky Blues, who would benefit from some experience in the defence.

Coventry's current centre-halves are all either 23 or 25 years old, so it would be useful to bring in 29-year-old Holding, who would arrive with years of Premier League pedigree.

Holding was once a regular starter for Arsenal, having made almost 100 appearances in the Premier League, as well as many in the Europa League.

While the defender has not featured in the Championship since the 2015/16 campaign with Bolton Wanderers, Holding would benefit from dropping a division and earning some regular game time for the first time in a couple of years.

Crystal Palace are evidently not the club for him as Glasner sees no place for him in the side, so joining Coventry under an ambitious manager like Lampard would do him the world of good.

One of the benefits of appointing a big name like the former England and Chelsea midfielder is his transfer pull. Landing Holding would add some much-needed experience to the Sky Blues' backline while also sending a message of the club's intent.

Lampard should waste no time getting the deal over the line.