City given boost with news over Jake’s contract
COVENTRY City have received a transfer boost with the news that one of the club’s key summer targets is set to be made available on a free transfer.
The Sky Blues are keen to sign a left-sided centre-back and Jake Clarke-salter perfectly fits the bill for manager Mark Robins, who was greatly impressed by the defender during his season-long loan from Chelsea last term.
The Blues have an option in the 24-year-old’s contract to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge for another year, in which case they could get a fee for his services. That would effectively put any potential move to the CBS Arena off the table.
However, the Coventry Telegraph understands that Chelsea are ready to let the player leave on a free transfer, paving the way for a fresh start at a new club, with City in pole position to secure his signature.
According to reports, top clubs around Europe are interested in the former England Under-21 skipper. Dutch team PSV and Premier League side Leeds United are said to be linked, as well as Sheffield United and Belgian outfit Club Brugge. It is no secret that City would like to secure his services on a permanent contract, with talks between the two parties understood to have taken place.
And the Sky Blues are expected to be favourites to sign the player who made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Championship club last season, during which he earned the respect of the fans, many of whom are keen to see him join on a full-time basis as Coventry prepare for their third season back in the second tier and attempt to make the play-offs next season.
Their biggest rival for his signature appears to be the Blades, who are better placed in terms of finances next season given that the Yorkshire club are still benefiting from parachute payments after dropping out of the top flight in 2021. However, City have plenty in their favour too, not least the fact that Clarke-salter is familiar with, and likes, the club after spending an impressive season on loan.
There’s also the Adi Viveash factor, of course, with the former Chelsea Academy and development squad coach having played an instrumental part in Clarke-salter’s development as a teenager and young man. The player has described Viveash as a father figure.
Robins, meanwhile, underlined his admiration for the defender and his Chelsea team-mate Ian Maatsen after their contributions on loan.
“They’ve been brilliant, the pair have been a credit to themselves and obviously Chelsea,” he said last month. “Whilst Jake has had issues with injury, when he’s played he’s been absolutely outstanding.”
Asked if there was any chance of getting the pair back, Robins didn’t rule it out, saying: “Who knows! Who knows!”