Coventry City ‘have £2.5m transfer bid rejected’ for League One defender

Coventry City transfer news as the Sky Blues are still looking to add to Mark Robins’ squad

Coventry City are reported to have had a bid to sign Barnsley defender Liam Kitching rejected by the League One club.

According to the Barnsley Chronicle, the Sky Blues offered £2.5million for the 23-year-old Tykes skipper, potentially rising to £3m with add-ons. But the bid is said to have been turned down as Barnsley have a higher valuation of the player.

The report adds that the South Yorkshire outfit are reluctant to sell another one of their key players after previous captain Mads Andersen joined Premier League newcomers Luton Town. Meanwhile, Bobby Thomas, who starred on loan last season, has since signed moved to Coventry from Burnley.

Centre-back Kitching was only handed the Barnsley armband last week. His current contract runs until 2026, with a club option for another year, though the Barnsley Chronicle suggests that he is keen to test himself at a higher level.

When asked previously if he had been given assurances that no more first-team regulars would be sold in this summer’s transfer window, Barnsley head coach Neill Collins said: “It’s always fluid. That will be the owners’ decision ultimately. If someone comes in with a bid which they believe is suitable for the club, they will consider and discuss it. But everyone has their price, and unless someone is willing to pay that, we expect them to stay.”

Barnsley started their season in some style, thrashing Port Vale 7-0 at Oakwell on the opening day last weekend. Kitching played in that game but did not feature in the midweek Carabao Cup first round tie against Tranmere Rovers as Collins made seven changes to his starting line-up and the Tykes went out on penalties.

Collins’ side are back in action on Saturday when they visit Bristol Rovers. Coventry, meanwhile, take on Middlesbrough in the early Championship kick-off (12.30pm), as they deal with the expected loss of Gustavo Hamer, who looks set to join Sheffield United in a £15m deal.