Brighton are close to reaching an agreement with Coventry City for goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
The 25-year-old spent last season on loan with Frank Lampard’s side and helped them secure promotion to the Premier League.
Coventry have made Rushworth their first-choice goalkeeping target following his successful campaign at the CBS Arena. Talks have continued despite Brighton rejecting several earlier proposals.
Why Brighton could sell Carl Rushworth
ReadBrighton reported last week that Albion rejected a club-record £25million offer and wanted closer to £30million. The Seagulls were also seeking a potential buy-back clause as part of any agreement.
Crook now reports that Coventry are closing in on a deal. The final fee and structure have not yet been disclosed, while neither club has officially confirmed an agreement.
Rushworth played all 46 Championship matches last season. He kept 17 clean sheets and conceded 45 goals as Coventry won the title and returned to the Premier League.
His performances also earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Season. Lampard has backed the goalkeeper to develop into a future England international.
Rushworth joined Brighton in 2019 but has not made a competitive first-team appearance. Loans with Worthing, Walsall, Lincoln City, Swansea City, Hull City and Coventry have provided him with more than 200 senior appearances.
His contract runs until June 2027, with Brighton holding an option for another year. Bart Verbruggen remains Fabian Hürzeler’s established first-choice goalkeeper, making regular minutes at the Amex difficult to guarantee.
A sale would give Brighton a considerable return on a player developed through their loan system. Coventry would secure a proven goalkeeper who already understands Lampard’s methods and their defensive structure.
The Carl Rushworth transfer is not yet complete, but the latest update suggests the clubs are now closer to an agreement.
