Coventry City ‘submit update’ as Aston Villa and West Ham race to sign FA Cup hero

The Sky Blues submitted their retained list on Thursday afternoon, confirming the exit of veteran captain Liam Kelly and verifying reports that O’Hare had been offered a new contract.

It’s hoped fresh terms can convince the star midfielder to stay at Coventry Building Society Arena but interest from the Premier League is likely to scupper the club’s plans.

O’Hare was vital to Coventry’s impressive FA Cup run this season and he scored in the recent 3-3 semi-final thriller against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. That was his fourth goal in just five FA Cup appearances this term, while he recorded six goals and three assists in 31 Championship matches.

Although serenaded and appreciated as a key man for the Sky Blues, O’Hare has let his contract run down, with his current deal expiring on June 30. Any potential suitors are free to enter talks with the playmaker and several clubs are already circling.

The Sun reports Villa, West Ham United, Fulham and Southampton have all shown interest in signing O’Hare, with the free aspect of the deal particularly appealing. His versatility is attractive, too, as the midfielder can play as a 10, a six, an eight, or as a second striker.

If O’Hare were to sign for Villa, it would be a romantic return as he began his career in the academy at Bodymoor Heath. Nine times a senior appearance maker in claret and blue, the now 26-year-old joined Coventry for free in July 2020 after an initial season-long loan spell. The tables could now turn.