Lampard plays down interest in striker Thomas-Asante

Brandon Thomas-Asante's only Championship goal for City so far came in the 3-0 home win over Blackburn on 1 October

Coventry City boss Frank Lampard has played down reported interest from other Championship clubs in Sky Blues striker Brandon Thomas-Asante.

The 26-year-old Ghana international has made just eight Championship starts since his summer move from West Bromwich Albion.

There has been speculation linking Thomas-Asante with Blackburn Rovers, while former Sky Blues boss Mark Robins, the man who signed him for Coventry, is also said to be interested in taking him to Stoke City.

But Lampard is still without injured top scorer Haji Wright, as well as Ephron Mason-Clark and insists he is not aware of any activity.

"Not as far as I'm concerned," he told BBC CWR. "He's our player and remains so.

"We get linked with a lot of players, half of which I know is nonsense. The rumour mill and what actually happens are two different things.

"At the minute, it doesn't mean anything to me other than we know we're missing three very important players so we have to get every ounce out of the squad we've got. If we can improve it we'll try and do that."

Bidwell signs new deal until 2027

Jake Bidwell (left) has scored three goals in his 123 Coventry City appearances

City defender Jake Bidwell has signed a new contract with the Sky Blues.

The 31-year-old left-back, who joined from Swansea City in January 2022, has penned a two-year extension, tying him to the CBS Arena until June 2027.

Bidwell said he was "buzzing" and "excited for the next two years".

"I said at the start of the season I would like to stay here as long as possible, as long as I'm wanted and there is a role for me here," he said.

"I'm delighted to get the deal done and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can achieve over the next few years."

Meanwhile, the Sky Blues have recalled defender Jack Burroughs from his loan at Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock, while midfielder Ryan Howley has also returned from north of the border, from his loan at Ayr United.

City also have Coventry-born, former Bristol City and Swansea City striker, Jamie Patterson currently training with the squad.

The 33-year-old free agent is known to Lampard from his first job in management at Derby County.

"I know Jamie from going against him at Derby when he was at Bristol," said Lampard. "He's a Coventry lad, local to us here. He has good experience and we're helping him to get fit and train. With our squad a little bit stretched at this current moment, that helps us too."