Mark Robins has confirmed the Sky Blues have had some interest in striker Conor Chaplin this summer, as reported by Coventry Live.

The 22-year-old scored eight goals in 31 appearances after joining last summer from Portsmouth and is thought to be a target for recently-promoted Barnsley.

Robins is open to selling the forward, but also confirmed he would have to have a replacement lined up before making a decision on the incoming bids.

It was widely reported last week that Barnsley had put a 'substantial' bid in for the player and when asked about Chaplin's future, the Sky Blues boss confirmed: “There’s nothing happening at the minute but yes, there’s interest.

“There’s always interest in good players and we’ll just wait to see how that one unfolds. But I am looking to do something on the ‘ins’ side before I look at anything on the ‘outs’.”

Chaplin came through the ranks at Fratton Park, helping them to the League Two title in 2017 with eight goals in 42 outings. He found appearances harder to come by during their maiden season in League One, bagging five times from 32 outings.

He made the move to the Sky Blues last summer, first on loan and then permanently in January.

The Verdict

It would seem a surprising move for me; Chaplin didn't exactly set League One on fire last season and isn't a prolific forward, but he's obviously catching the eye in other ways.

That lack of goals might be a motivation behind Robins listening to offers, especially if they're 'substantial' as reported.

It's well known he's an admirer of Bright Enobakhare and has the funds to press on with that deal, so perhaps he's hoping to get him in before sanctioning Chaplin's move.

The transfer market is much like the housing market, everyone is in a chain waiting for one move before anything happens.