Rotherham United have opened talks with West Ham United over a loan transfer for Conor Coventry. The Hammers have also fixed their position on the midfielder’s long-term future.
That is according to Sky Sports, which reports that Matt Taylor is keen to sign Coventry in a last-gasp loan deal. The New York Stadium outfit sit 20th in the Championship and are only five points from the drop zone. Huddersfield Town and Blackpool also hold games in hand.
Rotherham believe Coventry can bolster Taylor’s squad with a late-window loan deal from West Ham. The Millers have relied heavily on Daniel Barlaser to conduct their engine room so far this term. While Oliver Rathbone and Ben Wiles have also held integral roles to date.
Barlaser has started all 28 of Rotherham’s league games in 2022/23 and offered a creative presence, as well. The 26-year-old has scored two goals and a team-high seven assists. No other Millers player has registered more than two assists to help to Rotherham’s 33 goals.
So, Taylor and the New York Stadium hierarchy have now identified Coventry as a possible loan target. Rotherham have also opened talks with West Ham over hiring the 22-year-old on loan for the rest of the term. He has only held a bit-part presence in David Moyes’ side.
West Ham have decided on Coventry’s contract amid transfer talks with Rotherham
Coventry has played just seven times across all competitions for a combined 345 minutes so far this season. His appearances include just one Premier League cameo as a stoppage-time substitute on the opening day of the campaign at home to Manchester City, as well.
Moyes has been slightly more forthcoming with minutes in the Europa Conference League. Coventry has played in five UEFA ties, including qualifiers. But he only entered the starting line-up in Group B once the Irons had secured their qualification into the knockout stages.
Now, Rotherham hope West Ham will consider sending Coventry out on loan before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline. The Republic of Ireland U21 international spent last season at Peterborough United and MK Dons on loan. But he is out of contract at the Irons this June.
So, West Ham have decided to extend Coventry’s contract before granting a loan transfer to Rotherham. Moyes saw the London-born anchor establish himself after a switch to MK Dons last January. He started in all 22 League One games, including the play-offs, available.
Coventry also offered one goal and an assist in the third-tier after dropping down from the Championship. He only started four of his 12 second-tier outings with Peterborough in the first half of last term. But MK Dons sporting director Liam Sweeting appreciated his talents.
“Conor is a player we have followed for a long time, this being third time lucky in trying to sign him,” Sweeting told the MK Dons website after loaning Coventry. “He is an excellent fit for the role in terms of controlling possession and adding defensive responsibility.
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