Carlton Palmer has shared his thoughts to FLW about Coventry City midfielder Ben Sheaf being eyed by Ipswich, Luton and Fulham.
Former England midfielder Carlton Palmer believes it would take around £10-15 million for Coventry City to part ways with Ben Sheaf.
This comes as the midfielder has been linked with a move away, as Ipswich Town, Luton Town, and Fulham are all eyeing up the defensive midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window being officially open
Ipswich Town, Luton Town, and Fulham are all eyeing Coventry’s Ben Sheaf
Sheaf has been a part of the Coventry City set up for a number of seasons now, as he first joined the club on loan from Arsenal before signing on a permanent basis in 2021.
The midfielder needed time to adapt to his new team after arriving from the Emirates Stadium, but it soon became clear how talented he was, and he has now been impressing for the Sky Blues for a number of seasons.
His performances haven’t gone unnoticed, and it seems heading into this summer, Coventry could be set for another long transfer window, as yet again a key player is mentioned with a possible exit, just like Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer from last summer.
Ben Sheaf’s 2023/24 Championship stats for Coventry City
Matches played
31
Minutes per game
84
Goals
3
xG
3.21
Shots per game
1.5
xAG
2.84
Big chances created
2
Key passes
1.1
Passing accuracy per game
49.9 (85%)
Interceptions per game
1.4
Tackles per game
3.4
Average rating
7.29
Stats as per Sofascore.com
According to Alan Nixon via his Patreon account, Coventry missing out on promotion to the Premier League has left them vulnerable to their top stars attracting interest, with one of those being Sheaf.
The report states that Ipswich Town, Luton Town, and Fulham have all expressed interest in the 26-year-old heading into the summer, with the latter scouting him in the closing weeks of the season as a potential addition this summer.
Nixon also adds that Sheaf turned down the chance to join the Hatters during the last transfer window, but that hasn’t stopped them from pursuing a move once again.
Luton’s Premier League status might end this season, but that is said to have no effect on a deal happening for Sheaf but would help them given that Ipswich and Fulham will be in the top flight next season.
Nixon also states that Fulham’s interest in the midfielder is just a potential option for them; he isn’t considered a priority at this stage.
Carlton Palmer values Ben Sheaf around the £10-£15 million mark amid transfer links
Here at Football League World, we asked former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer for his thoughts on Coventry City’s Ben Sheaf being wanted by Ipswich Town, Luton Town, and Fulham.
We also asked him whether he thinks the Sky Blues can keep hold of him, but if he were to leave, how much is he worth?
Palmer exclusively told Football League World: “Ipswich Town, Luton Town and Fulham have all been linked with Coventry City’s Ben Sheaf.
“The midfield player has been outstanding for Coventry over the last two seasons. He has recently been handed the captain’s armband by the manager.
“This season has just finished, and Mark Robins has come out and said that it is going to take record bids for any of his players to leave the football club now.
“Coventry have got new owners in the football club and, year-on-year, Mark Robins has had to rebuild. So, now he is hoping that he is going to have some continuity, and he can keep the players.
“Obviously, when Premier League clubs come knocking it is very, very difficult with Coventry missing out this season. But I think if Robins is backed by the new owners, which I’m sure he will be, then Coventry will be knocking on the door next season.
“It is always difficult when the three teams that have been relegated from the Premier League come down, you are fighting those three teams to get back up, as they have the parachute money, which makes it really hard.
“But I have no doubt that Coventry will be there or there about next season, and they are in a strong position with Ben Sheaf. He is under contract until the summer of 2026, and I’m sure conversations will be taking place to extend that contract.
“But failing that, they are in control of the situation. Other than that, it is going to take an offer, I would assume, of around the £10-£15 million mark. It’s going to take a record fee, as Mark Robins said, £10-15 million, for them to even think about it.”
Ben Sheaf is a Premier League player in waiting
It comes as no surprise to see Premier League teams circling with interest in Coventry City’s Ben Sheaf.
The midfielder very much went under the radar last season, as the club had players like Gustavo Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres taking all the plaudits.
But this season, the club has had to rely on Sheaf and Callum O’Hare to be the go-to men, and they have very much lived up to the billing.
Sheaf has been excellent for Coventry for a number of seasons now, and it seems that heading into this summer, there is a strong possibility that teams are going to try and take him away from the Championship side.
The 26-year-old has still got time left on his contract, and Coventry has shown they are willing to stand their ground when it comes to the sale of key players. But if the club receives the right offer, Sheaf could soon be playing his football in the top flight.
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