Frank Lampard eyes first January transfer after talks with £14.5m Premier League star

Coventry City remain in pole position for promotion to the Premier League but manager Frank Lampard isn't resting on his laurels. Further reinforcements are on the way and that could begin with a loan swoop for Romain Esse.

England Under-21 winger Esse starred in the second tier with Millwall, earning him a £14.5million move to Crystal Palace last January. Things haven't been quite as straightforward for him at Selhurst Park, though, and he has played just twice in the league this season.

According to The Telegraph, Coventry aren't the only Championship team looking at getting a deal done. However, talks have been opened and Lampard is said to be hopeful of wrapping things up sooner rather than later.

Coventry sit eight points at the top in the Championship, having lost just three of their 25 league games so far. They haven't won a game by more than a single goal since November, though, and Lampard may feel fresh blood is needed to get them over the line.

There has also been interest in the Sky Blues' current front line, with West Ham admirers of Haji Wright and Ellis Simms. The Hammers appear to have turned their attentions elsewhere, though, with Lazio's Taty Castellanos and Gil Vicente top scorer Pablo both expected to move to the London Stadium.

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Simms' early goal wasn't enough for three points against Charlton in New Year's Day, with Lampard saying: "They had some moments of pressure but we are disappointed to take a point because that is where we are at. Sometimes you have to sit back and go 'ok, we are in a busy period where we are really stretched and trying to keep everyone fresh so we take our point'.

"We are not as clinical as we were earlier in the season but that was always going to come. I don't think any team in this league goes win, win, win and carries on like that."

Palace's willingness to let Esse leave on loan comes as the Eagles prepare to announce the signing of Brennan Johnson. Wales forward Johnson is expected to be available to face Newcastle on Sunday following a £35m move from Tottenham.

Oliver Glasner's side drew 1-1 with Fulham in their first match of the new year on Thursday. Esse made a rare cameo from the bench, replacing Justin Devenny for the final few minutes, as Tom Cairney's goal for the visitors cancelled out a Jean-Philippe Mateta opener.

Palace were dealt an injury scare when Will Hughes left the field early, with Glasner saying: "Let’s see. He just felt fatigue everywhere around the hip and once it was the hamstring, then it was the adductor, then it was the thighs…

"We have to assess him further, but of course we hope that we won't miss him in the next game, because I think nobody will return for the Newcastle game and we need him.”

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