“A player that I thought most Championship clubs would be chasing” – Coventry City eye Derby County deal: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Coventry City are reportedly interested in Derby County midfielder Max Bird.

According to Football Insider, the Sky Blues are set to make a move for the 21-year-old after the Rams’ relegation from the Championship.

Coventry are understood to have registered their interest but would it be a good signing? And do they need him?

Our FLW writers share their thoughts…

Declan Harte

The 21-year-old has emerged in recent seasons as a Championship standard player and it comes as no surprise to see the likes of Coventry make a move to sign the midfielder.

Bird had an impressive campaign with Derby County last season, and proved to be one of their more important and consistent performers.

He would be a really smart addition to Coventry’s side in an area that needs the extra strength in depth.

This is especially so given the speculation surrounding Callum O’Hare.

While the pair could form quite an exciting partnership, it is possible that Bird is being lined up as a replacement for the 24-year-old should he depart this summer.

I’m not really sure this is a signing Coventry City need to make if things remain the same at the CBS Arena this summer.

The club already have Gustavo Hamer and Ben Sheaf on the books who play a similar role.

Whilst Bird is a good player with a lot of potential, and would be a great signing for the future, I just struggle to see him starting week in week out which he will surely want to do having done so at Derby last season.

If the player is happy to bide his time, though. he would be a nice addition that the club could continue to develop until Gus Hamer inevitably departs.

Billy Mulley

Max Bird is a player that I thought most Championship clubs would be chasing this summer, with the 21-year-old a really impressive and mature professional.

A talented footballer, a relentless worker and a determined learner, Bird has all the desirable attributes that would make him a success at Coventry.

Perhaps their interest in Bird will act as a contingency plan if Gus Hamer is to depart this summer, with the 24-year-old likely to continue attracting the attention of the higher division.

Bird is someone that fits stylistically at a club like Coventry, and given the ambitious nature of the club, combined with their continued progress up the divisions, the Championship destination could be a favourable one for Bird.

A player who will be at least a level above at League One level if he remains at Derby, this could be a great opportunity for him.