Premier League new boys Coventry City have moved a step closer to re-signing former fan favourite Gustavo Hamer after reportedly agreeing a £6million fee with Sheffield United.
The Sky Blues had previously had two bids knocked back for the attacking midfielder, who is believed to be keen on a return to the CBS Arena as Coventry prepare for their first season back in the Premier League after a 25-year absence.
Hamer has been a key Coventry target
Coventry have been linked with re-signing Hamer ever since their top-flight return was confirmed, with manager Frank Lampard keen to add some extra creativity to his squad.
Supporters will certainly have fond memories of Hamer's first spell with the club from 2020-2023, as he made more than 130 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 24 assists, while he was twice named the club's player of the year.
That led to a move to then Premier League Sheffield United for a reported £15m in August 2023 and his rate for goals and assists has gone up during his time at the Blades.
Hamer, who turned 29 in June, racked up a combined 18 goal involvements for the Blades last season, but with his contract set to expire at Bramall Lane next summer, they have opted to cash in, much to the benefit of Coventry.
Personal terms are not thought to be a problem and Hamer could undergo a medical with Cov as early as Sunday.
Should all go well, the former Netherlands youth international will become Coventry's sixth signing of the summer.
Sky Blues spending big to boost survival hopes
At £6m, Coventry are not exactly breaking the bank for Hamer, but the club have certainly not been afraid to splash the cash since sealing promotion, breaking their transfer record on three occasions.
Lampard's side first of all brought in winger Loum Tchaouna from Burnley for £20m before adding a familiar face, with goalkeeper Carl Rushworth returning after last season's successful loan spell for a reported £22.5m from Brighton.
Caleb Yirenkyi then completed his £23.1m move from Nordsjaelland earlier this week, the Ghana midfielder having impressed for his country at this summer's World Cup.
The Sky Blues have also signed Switzerland international defender Aurele Amenda for a reported £17m - a fee that would have eclipsed their previous transfer record prior to this summer - as well as turning Frank Onyeka's loan move from Brentford into a permanent deal.
Cov certainly appear determined to ensure their top-flight return does not end after one season and they are priced at 11/10 to avoid the drop.
Coventry may not be done there
The imminent arrival of Hamer may not spell the end of Coventry's summer spending, as they have also been heavily linked with a move for Marseille midfielder Angel Gomes.
Marseille are keen to offload the England international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Wolves.
Another England international linked with the CBS Arena is defender Fikayo Tomori, who Lampard knows well having managed the AC Milan star during their time together at Derby County.
There certainly looks set to be plenty of new - or returning faces - in the Coventry line up for their season opener, a daunting looking trip to the Emirates Stadium to take on champions Arsenal on Friday 21st August.
Coventry are 12/1 to cause a shock in north London, with Arsenal priced at 1/6 and the draw, which would still represent a fantastic start to the season for the Sky Blues, available at 13/2.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
