Coventry move to sign Man City player falls through in bitter blow for Frank Lampard

Coventry City’s move to sign Manchester City defender Stephen Mfuni has fallen through, talkSPORT understands.

Mfuni looked set to join Frank Lampard‘s side last week, but the transfer will no longer be happening.

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The 18-year-old centre-back spent the second half of last season on loan at Watford, playing eight Championship games.

He also appeared on the bench for Man City in the Champions League on multiple occasions during the campaign.

But now, Mfuni’s future remains up in the air after his switch to Coventry broke down, leaving him free to join another club, with Watford interested in re-signing him.

Lampard has signed eight players already this summer for the Sky Blues, breaking the club’s transfer record multiple times.

Are Coventry signing another centre-back?

So, with the deal for Mfuni breaking down, Coventry have had to start looking for another defender to bring in.

And it seems Brentford hero Ethan Pinnock is on his way.

The newly-promoted side have reportedly agreed to sign Pinnock in a transfer worth an initial £5million, rising to £6million.

The 33-year-old has been a Brentford player for seven years, making 216 appearances in total and scoring 12 goals.

However, his contract is expiring next summer, and the Bees have opted to cash in on the Jamaica international.

Under Keith Andrews, Pinnock has played just eight times.

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Where could Mfuni end up now?

As mentioned, alongside Coventry, Watford were also hoping to sign Mfuni this summer after his loan spell last term.

Their sporting director Luke Dowling revealed that talks were ongoing with Man City regarding the teenager earlier this month.

Dowling said: “Everyone who watched Watford play last year in the games when Mfuni, especially, played, it wouldn’t surprise me, with Man City losing Nathan Ake this year, if they kept him around.

“He’s left-footed like Ake, he can play left-back, he can play left centre-half, so that wouldn’t surprise me at all.

“However, the club are in contact with Man City regularly…so just wait and see.

“It’s unfortunate with loans like that because we’re never in control with them as they are not our players.”