Josh Holland

Coventry City are reportedly close to signing Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi for about £17 million, with an agreement said to have been reached and a medical scheduled. The 29-year-old Nigerian forward, previously a club-record signing for Forest, has scored 23 goals in 103 appearances but has fallen behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus in the pecking order. His arrival would expand Frank Lampard's options alongside Haji Wright, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms as Coventry prepare for their return to the Premier League. The club has already made five summer signings and will open its campaign away to Arsenal.

Coventry City's second bid for Gustavo Hamer has reportedly been rejected by Sheffield United for falling short of the midfielder's valuation. Talks remain ongoing, however, with only a small gap believed to separate the clubs and confidence that an agreement can be reached. Hamer, who is entering the final year of his contract, is reportedly open to returning to Coventry, while Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder acknowledged the club's desire to avoid losing him on a free transfer but accepted that the player may seek a higher salary and longer contract elsewhere.