Exclusive: Coventry City backed to sign Hull City star but £9m warning issued | OneFootball

Sky Sports Pundit Don Goodman has given his thoughts on Coventry City's links with Hull City defender Charlie Hughes.

Coventry City have been linked with a move for Hull City defender Charlie Hughes, with the Sky Blues considering breaking their transfer record for the young defender.

The highly-rated 21-year-old joined Hull City from Wigan Athletic last summer for £3.5 million after emerging through the academies at both Manchester City and Liverpool.

Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett reports that Coventry had a £7 million offer for the defender turned down and are now considering a new bid of £9 million to bring Hughes to the Midlands.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman was asked whether Hughes would be a big coup for the Sky Blues, and insisted that it would be huge for Coventry as they look to strengthen in defence.

Don Goodman comments on "highly rated" centre-back

"He is still only 21, and has played over 100 games," said Goodman on Hughes. "He is very, very highly rated. He broke through at Wigan, where they made him captain at a young age. Though, it has not gone quite as well as he would have wanted at Hull."

The young defender made 27 appearances for the Tigers as they found themselves in a season-long relegation battle, before securing their Championship safety on the final day of the season.

"It looks more likely that Hull will be in a relegation battle once again, rather than fighting for promotion, which is what Hughes would have signed up for," said Goodman.

"If Coventry can get him, I rate him. £9m does seem a little on the high side if you want the honest truth, but I do think that it is an area that Coventry need to strengthen in," Goodman concluded.

Defensive additions needed if Sky Blues want to sustain promotion push

Despite a far from ideal time on Humberside thus far, Hughes is still one of the most highly rated defenders across the EFL.

The Sky Blues conceded the 13th-most goals in the second tier last term, with their figure of 58 being severely unsustainable for a side that will be aiming to challenge at the top end of the Championship once again.

Goals aren't an issue; Frank Lampard's side managed to net 64 of them last term. However, a more solid and impenetrable defence could make a huge difference in what is predicted to be a much higher-quality division this term.

Hughes would bring fantastic EFL experience at such a young age, and would be a big statement signing for Coventry as they aim to have another shot at promotion.

The Sky Blues will welcome Hughes and Hull for their opening clash of the 2025/26 Championship campaign on Saturday at the CBSArena.