Brighton are set to allow goalkeeper Christian Walton to leave the club this summer with him not featuring in their plans for the new campaign, according to The Athletic.

Walton has been facing an uncertain future this summer after he failed to establish himself in Brighton’s side last season after returning from a decent loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in the 2019/20 campaign. He managed to make 46 appearances for Rovers in which he kept 12 clean sheets.

The 25-year-old stopper has been linked with a potential move away from Brighton and back to the Championship this summer. Luton Town were the first side to be credited with an interest in him and it was reported by The Athletic that the Hatters were admirers of the keeper.

While there have also been reports from The Sun on Sunday (16/05/21, p59) that Coventry City could also be interested in securing the keeper’s signature this summer as they look to enhance their options between the sticks. Although since then, the Sky Blues have managed to bring in Simon Moore.

The latest report from The Athletic reveals that Brighton are now ready to sanction a departure for Walton this summer. That could now alert clubs in the Championship to his availability but it remains to be seen if either Coventry or Luton will come in for him.

The verdict

It is no surprise to see that Brighton are now wanting to allow Walton to leave the club this summer and the keeper will know that the writing is on the wall for him with the Seagulls after he failed to break into their side last term. The 25-year-old now needs to secure himself a new permanent home where he can be the first-choice option between the sticks.

Luton and Coventry would both be very good destinations for the keeper this summer and both might benefit from adding a player of his quality to the squad. However, the Sky Blues have already signed one new goalkeeper this summer and the Hatters might not see that position as one they need to add to given they have Simon Sluga in goal.

Walton though irrespective of whether Luton or Coventry come in for him should not be short on options this summer now that he is available to be signed. The keeper has shown he is a quality and reliable performer in the English second tier so any side in the division that wants a new stopper should now be on alert.