Coventry City set to beat QPR and Millwall to Premier League transfer

Coventry City are in pole position to land the signing of Crystal Palace star Jeffrey Schlupp this month, moving ahead of QPR, Millwall and Blackburn Rovers in the Championship transfer race.

The former Premier League winner is out of contract at Selhurst Park this summer and manager Oliver Glasner had hinted at the possibility of a move, with the 32-year-old somewhat of a fringe figure this season. Schlupp's versatility and experience had made him a target for several Championship clubs.

QPR have suffered from a long list of injuries this term and had been linked with a move for the player, who can play across defence, midfield and even up front. Meanwhile, Millwall are in the market for a Romain Esse replacement and were said to be looking at a deal for Schlupp.

Coventry City closest to landing Crystal Palace transfer

A fresh report from Alan Nixon claims that it is Frank Lampard's Coventry City who are set to bring the Eagles man to the second tier. The Sky Blues are believed to be offering the player the best deal, as well as the option of a long-term move come the end of the 2024/25 season.

Coventry City sit 13th in the Championship table but have lost just one of their last seven matches under the Chelsea legend. Beating Blackburn Rovers to the signing of Schlupp would be the second blow left on their rivals this week, having won 2-0 at Ewood Park on Tuesday evening.

Speaking about the window last night, Lampard said: "Umm, I don’t know. I’m hoping we keep winning games but if we can, and they are the right player, it will give me another option, a better option or competition in a particular area but I wouldn’t put a number on it.

“It’s good to lean on a squad because it puts pressure on players to perform. If we can thicken it out, because we are short, then we will. We’ll see. There’s still a long way to go in the window – I know it’s not that long but there’s a lot that can be done."

Oliver Glasner explains Jeffrey Schlupp position

Glasner was asked about the Schlupp rumours following his side's 1-0 FA Cup win over Stockport earlier this month. He said: “I want us to keep the squad together. It’s not like we have a huge amount of on-field players. We have 21, [Matheus] Franca including.

"The number of players is not that high. I really appreciate Jeffery’s experience and he can play in different positions. Today, also because Tyrick Mitchell was really ill and we wanted a left-footed wing-back.

“He can play there, he can play in the 10, he can play as a midfielder. Because he is so experienced, he can play almost anywhere. But at the end, it is the same as the other players. Schlupp is now 32. His contract ends in the summer and if he wants to have a change and get a two or three-year contract somewhere, he will come but at the moment no one has come and said they want to leave. If we want to keep the squad, if the players want to stay here, that’s the best situation we can have.”