Derby County have been dealt a transfer blow in their battle to sign Coventry City striker Matt Godden, as reports linking Billy Sharp to the Championship side are false, as confirmed by journalist Andy Turner from Coventry Live.
Within the last 48 hours, journalist Alan Nixon revealed that Coventry City were hopeful of landing the free agent, which would have reportedly freed up Godden to leave the club.
Who is Matt Godden?
The 31-year-old is a proven goalscorer in the EFL, enjoying spells with the likes of Stevenage and Peterborough United, before signing for Coventry City in July 2019 for £1 million.
Since then, Godden hit 14 goals in 26 games as the Skyblues won the League One title in his debut season and has netted a further 26 times in the Championship so far, developing a successful partnership with Swedish international Viktor Gyokeres.
Aiming to bounce back
Derby County missed out on the League One play-off places last season, courtesy of a final day defeat against play-off winners Sheffield Wednesday, whilst Peterborough beat Barnsley.
Therefore, Paul Warne’s men will be eager to go one better next season and secure a top-six finish at the very least, with a striker a priority due to David McGoldrick’s exit.
What’s been said?
According to journalist Andy Turner, there is no truth in the rumour linking Billy Sharp to Coventry City, which would block an exit for Matt Godden. He stated…
‘The news that Coventry City are reportedly in for Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp came out of the blue at the weekend but, as I understand, the only truth to the story is that the striker is looking for a move and weighing up his options for a late career challenge.’
Writer’s View
Even without Billy Sharp, as a Coventry fan, I don’t see any scenario in which we would allow Matt Godden to depart unless we sign two more strikers as well as Ellis Simms.
Godden is experienced and a proven goal scorer in the EFL, which is most likely why Derby are claimed to have an interest but personally I don’t see this one happening anytime soon.
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