“It’s a bit of a gamble” – Coventry City eyeing Premier League loan 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 one of three sides chasing a loan deal for Manchester City starlet Finley Burns.

That is according to Football Insider, who yesterday reported that the Sky Blues, along with Watford and Bristol City, were keen on reaching a loan agreement with the Citizens.

Burns was on loan at Swansea City in the second half of last season but only managed 3 appearances for the Welsh club due to injuries halting his progress.

With the above in mind, we asked three of our FLW writers for their thoughts on the links, and whether or not Burns would be a good addition for the Sky Blues.

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

When you look at natural central defenders, Coventry City could perhaps do with an addition or two.

That said, I do think it’s a bit of a gamble for a club in Coventry’s position to be loaning in a player like Burns.

The young defender seems highly rated, and is indeed described as a ‘sensation’ by Football Insider, but, with a settled backline at the CBS Arena, you wonder, given his lack of senior experience, whether or not he will be good enough to get the sort of minutes Manchester City will be looking for.

Burns can’t get that experience until somebody gives him a chance to do so, though, and perhaps Mark Robins could be the man to do that given his current search for a centre-half.

Indeed, sometimes there is no reward without risk and that may be the case with this transfer.

Quiz: Can you name which club Coventry City signed these 22 players from?

1 of 22

Kasey Palmer?

Millwall Luton Bristol City Middlesbrough

Josh Cole

When you consider that Coventry are in the market for a new centre-back, it comes as no surprise that they have been linked with a move for Burns.

However, in order for the Sky Blues to have the best chance of challenging for a play-off place, it could be argued that they should be aiming to recruit an individual who has a proven track-record of delivering the goods in the Championship.

Burns does not fit this particular criteria as he has only made three appearances in the second-tier during his career to date.

With there being no guarantee that Burns will be able to deliver the goods on a consistent basis for Coventry, Mark Robins should look elsewhere in his search for a new defende

Declan Harte

Burns’ stint with Swansea City didn’t live up to expectations so a fresh start somewhere else is likely for the best.

This will add some depth to the team’s defensive options and may give Robins the opportunity to be more tactically flexible.

Burns’ game time may remain limited but there should be chances for him to prove himself, especially as injury issues have hampered the Sky Blues at times this season.

Now that he should be back to full fitness himself, this is a great opportunity for him to prove what he is capable of in a strong Championship side.

He is a towering presence but should be comfortable with the ball at his feet having come through Man City, which could make him a unique asset to have in the squad.