Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit thinks Coventry City star "could be another Gyokeres" | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie says that a loan move is what's best for Norman Bassette, drawing comparisons with ex-Coventry forward Viktor Gyökeres.

Eredivisie outfit Utrecht are reportedly eyeing Coventry City striker Norman Bassette, with the two clubs in talks over a potential loan deal.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims that discussions are taking place regarding a deal that could include an option to buy the forward; however, the Midlands outfit are yet to confirm which conditions would be agreed upon.

Bassette made the move to the Sky Blues last summer from French club Caen; however, his debut campaign proved to be a frustrating one.

Speculation about the 20-year-old's future has been in the air all summer, and he was linked with Belgian giants Anderlecht in June. However, reports now suggest that he will make a move to the Netherlands with Utrecht, who finished fourth in the standings last term.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes that a loan is the best option for the forward, and made comparisons with a certain ex-Coventry forward who exploded at the CBS Arena.

"I did see signs of Gyokeres" - Claim made on departing Coventry forward

"You sit and wonder whether he is really going to get an opportunity at Coventry," said Hendrie when asked whether it is a good call to send the striker out on loan.

"I really liked him when he came on, and he does have the physicality. I did see signs of Gyokeres in the way that he puts himself about. You have to look at it from his perspective. Is he going to play?"

Making a big-money move to Arsenal this summer, Viktor Gyökeres scored 41 Championship goals for the Sky Blues across three seasons at the club, before a move to Portuguese giants, Sporting.

"I think it would be a good call for both sides, but for me, I would like to see it without an option to buy, so they can get some minutes in his legs, and see what he can produce. He could be another Gyokeres; he has definitely got potential."

"I like his demeanour on a football pitch. The only surprise for me is the potential deal to buy. If it were me, I would get him out on loan and see what he can do during a full season," Hendrie concluded.

Sky Blues need to avoid the purchase option

When Bassette's lack of minutes under Frank Lampard in the second half of last season is considered, it comes as no surprise to see him touted for a move away this summer.

The striker needs to be playing football and developing at his age of 20, and with a strong forward line under Lampard, those minutes are hard to come by.

A loan move to the Eredivisie would be perfect for his development; however, a purchase option must be avoided.

Bassette showed enough in his debut year to even draw comparisons with Gyökeres, who has just made a £63.5 million move to Arsenal. Minutes in his legs and the chance to find the back regularly will be crucial for Bassette moving forward.

It is vital for Coventry that any loan deal that does take place this summer gives the club the chance to evaluate Bassette upon his return, and then go from there regarding any future decisions.