Stoke are reported to be making a “late move” for Coventry City defensive target Luke McNally.
The Sky Blues were keen to get the Burnley centre-half back to the CBS Arena after an outstanding second half season loan, although it’s now unclear whether they are continuing to pursue their interest in the former Oxford United man following the arrival of three new central defenders.
Ideally, City wanted to buy the 23-year-old and make him a permanent signing rather than take him on another temporary deal, which has proved problematic as the Clarets only appear willing to let him out on loan.
The Sun’s transfer specialist Alan Nixon today claim’s that Coventry’s Championship rivals Stoke are now hoping to take the defender on loan.
He said: “McNally was a star for Coventry last season who wanted him back but now look set to lose out.”
Ironically, Alex Neil has already signed Michael Rose on a free transfer after the right sided centre-back left the Sky Blues at the end of his contract earlier this month, and it was McNally who kept Rose out of the team following his arrival at Coventry in January.
Robins has since signed fellow Claret Bobby Thomas from Turf Moor, Joel Latibeaudiere from Swansea – both recognised right-sided centre-backs (although the latter is versatile and has already filled in on the left) – and left sided centre-half Luis Binks on loan from Bologna. With Kyle McFadzean not getting any younger, Robins may still be looking to draft in another option for the back three.
McNally appears unlikely to get a chance at Burnley following the club’s promotion to the Premier League and the arrival of more centre-backs this summer. He told the LOI Central podcast recently: “I’d love that challenge (of being tested in the Premier League with Burnley). I’ve jumped up a lot of levels before so if I can do that one it would be unbelievable, but you just have to embrace any challenge you get. The main thing is to be playing. That’s the thing I need most at the minute.”
