Charlton Athletic are still ahead in the hunt for West Ham midfielder Conor Coventry despite reported interest from Sheffield Wednesday.
Sources have revealed to The Real EFL that Coventry, 23, has been in talks with Charlton prior to the window opening and would favour a move to a London club. Whilst talks are ongoing with a host of suitors, it’s believed his previous relationship with Addicks’ boss, Michael Appleton, is also a factor in his preference for a move to the Valley.
The Addicks have already been active in the market this window, with the arrival of Lewis Fiorini on loan, another player excited by the prospect of joining up with Appleton. Meanwhile, the Owls are keen to add a midfielder to their ranks, with both John Buckley and Tyreeq Bakinson leaving Hillsborough. The latter joined Charlton on loan, but it is still believed that Coventry is on their radar, with a permanent move in the offing.
Coventry’s long association with the Hammers is set to end in the summer of 2024. He has had stints with clubs such as Lincoln City and MK Dons in League One, as well as Peterborough United and Rotherham in the Championship. He has also represented every age group of the Republic of Ireland, from under-16s to under-21s, amassing 28 caps in the process.
The midfielder has featured in 10 matches for West Ham’s first team. Notably, five of these appearances occurred in the Europa Conference League campaign last season, culminating in West Ham securing their maiden European trophy. However, he has only appeared once in the claret and blue this season, for the Under 21 side in the EFL Trophy.
Whilst the deal with Charlton is by no means secured, they are still ahead in the race, something that perhaps would not be possible for most League One clubs. However, the hunt is certainly not over; Sheffield Wednesday will be on a charm offensive this week, and there are clubs on the continent, notably in the Dutch top flight, who are also eager to give Coventry regular first-team football.
Writer’s View
The Real EFL have been told Coventry’s wages would be out of reach of most League One clubs, but Charlton are a big side for the division and are still right in the hunt for him.
Things do evolve quickly, and as Championship interest snowballs, there’s every chance things could change. However, as things stand, his previous association with Appleton at Lincoln and a preference for remaining close to his London base put Charlton ahead in the pecking order.
With regular football, the Hammers’ boy does have the potential to become a big success wherever he goes, making the next few weeks interesting as clubs fight for his services.
