Whilst Southampton and Middlesbrough continue to go back and forth over the spy-gate saga, Coventry City and Ipswich Town can relax and plan their transfer business ahead of their Premier League returns.

Frank Lampard may have a sore head from all the promotion celebrations, but he and his staff will no doubt have already commenced plans for the summer window.

Given the gulf between the Championship and England’s top-flight, huge business and backing is needed from the hierarchy to allow the Sky Blues to be competitive.

Sunderland and Leeds United have demonstrated the blueprint needed to survive, with Lampard and Co needing to take note of their recruitment from last summer.

However, numerous potential additions have already been drawn up by the board, with bids expected in the weeks ahead despite the window not opening until early June.

Coventry enter talks to sign top-level attacking star this summer

Over the last couple of days, Coventry have been linked with a whole host of experienced stars to provide key top-flight know-how to fend off any relegation threat.

Former Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum has emerged as one potential addition for the Sky Blues, as the Dutchman is expected to leave Al-Ettifaq this summer.

The 35-year-old has registered 22 combined goals and assists in the Saudi Pro League this term, but could return to England and build on his tally of 217 appearances in the Premier League.

However, Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu has also emerged as a potential addition for Lampard’s side after the Foxes’ recent relegation to League One.

According to TEAMtalk, Coventry have entered talks with the player's agent over the possibility of a deal for the 22-year-old ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The report claims that a whole host of other Premier League clubs are considering a move for the Ghanaian international, who registered 16 combined goals and assists this term.

Whilst Ipswich aren’t currently in the race to land the forward this summer, Kieran McKenna’s side desperately need to enter the running for his signature.

Why Fatawu would be the Premier League’s next Semenyo

Ipswich undoubtedly have a squad more capable of competing in the Premier League, given their recent spell in England’s top-flight back in the 2024/25 campaign.

However, they could see themselves falling behind the Sky Blues next term if they fail to land a similar calibre of players currently being linked with a move to the CBS Arena.

As for Lampard’s side, their recent efforts in the transfer market could see the club land their very own version of Manchester City star Antoine Semenyo.

The Ghanaian international has set the division alight this term, as seen by his remarkable tally of 16 goals to date - the third highest of any player in the league.

However, a deal for Fatawu could see any of the interested clubs emulate the success of his compatriot - who previously moved to Bournemouth from Bristol City, a team lower down the footballing pyramid.

Both clubs would undoubtedly be getting a talent who is capable of stepping up to the Premier League once again, after featuring for the Foxes during their relegation campaign in 2024/25.

Their recent relegation to League One may have damaged his stocks, but that now makes it the perfect time to invest for the two promoted clubs - especially if he can reach his previous levels.

No player across either of the two aforementioned clubs managed to complete more dribbles than Fatawu this season, with the 22-year-old a serious threat with the ball at his feet.

Such a quality is comparable to that of Semenyo, who has gained a reputation for being one of the division’s biggest threats with the ball at his feet in the final third.

The Leicester star has also won the most penalties of any player in the Championship this term, which could hand either of the two clubs an added asset to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.

Both sides have found goalscoring a breeze in recent months, but the step up could prove to be a challenge - something which Fatawu could ease if handed an escape from the King Power Stadium.

He may not be at the level of Semenyo at present, but who’s to say he can’t emulate his compatriot during his next stint at any new club in the Premier League?

Coventry appear to have marched ahead of their rivals in the race for his signature, but that’s not to say Ipswich can’t fight back and mount their own charge this summer.

The Sky Blues have set their heights high after their generational wait for a return to England’s top-flight and a move for Fatawu would undoubtedly hand Lampard the ammunition needed to make it a year to remember.