Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit fears "huge" Coventry City blow as Newcastle United lurk | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Lee Hendrie has been discussing the future of Coventry City star Jack Rudoni.

Coventry City may face a battle to keep hold of star midfielder Jack Rudoni this summer, with Newcastle United scouts keeping close tabs on the 23-year-old.

The Daily Mail have reported that the Magpies are monitoring Rudoni's situation at the Sky Blues ahead of a potential summer swoop.

The versatile midfielder has enjoyed a superb debut season at the CBS Arena, which saw him bag nine goals and 12 assists in 43 Championship games this past term.

"He ticks all the boxes" - Hendrie praises Rudoni's rise under Lampard

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie responded to the news of Premier League interest in Rudoni, and was full of praise for the midfielder's development under Frank Lampard.

The former Premier League midfielder and Sky Sports pundit believes losing him would be a "massive blow" for the Sky Blues.

"Would be a huge blow," Hendrie said when asked his thoughts on the player should he leave Coventry.

"Do you know what? I have watched this boy for some time and tried to monitor his progress. I feel that at Huddersfield, he was the standout player. And since he's made the move to Coventry, Frank Lampard has really got the best out of him."

Hendrie believes Lampard deserves credit for unlocking Rudoni's potential and nurturing his confidence: "I know Frank has spoken highly of him, and what he brings to the team. He really does think that he has talent."

Hendrie believes Rudoni possesses Premier League quality

Rudoni's energetic midfield play, driving forward, arriving late into the box and creating chances has drawn comparisons to Lampard himself.

Hendrie believes that the 23-year-old is ready for the Premier League step-up.

"These days, midfielders have to get forward, get into the box, get goals and be creative. He does all of that really well," Hendrie explained. "He ticks all the boxes and I think he can make the step up now, given the confidence Frank has given him."

He continued: "I've watched him this season in particular. He has been a huge standout. Sometimes people don't necessarily see what he does in games.

"He may have missed a lot of chances, but I'm seeing him get into the box, into areas very much like Frank used to."

Coventry face nervous wait as Rudoni attracts top-flight suitors

According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle are reportedly among those monitoring Rudoni ahead of the summer window.

Hendrie believes it may just be a matter of time before a move materialises.

"I would be very, very shocked if a Premier League club isn't looking at him for next season," he said.

"It would be a massive blow for Coventry if that happened. It's whether, and I'm sure most of these players do, he wants to take that step up to the Premier League.

"You don't get that opportunity often, and I think you have to take it."