COVENTRY City are ‘set to sign’ Crystal Palace prospect Romain Esse on a temporary loan agreement until the conclusion of the season.
According to Sky Sports News reporter James Savundra, the Sky Blues are edging closer to completing a deal for the 20-year-old.
He would represent Frank Lampard’s first addition of the January transfer window.
Posting on X, journalist Pete O’Rourke disclosed that Esse, 20, has ‘agreed a deal to join Coventry City on loan until the end of the season’, although it remains uncertain whether the arrangement includes an option or obligation for Coventry City to turn the move permanent.
The development follows recent reports suggesting Coventry City were among the clubs monitoring a potential move for Esse this month, with the England U21 international having made substitute appearances in each of Palace’s last three fixtures.
O’Rourke also adds that Esse’s switch to Coventry is ‘expected to be finalised this week’, with Lampard’s side anticipated to complete several deals during this month’s transfer window as they look to strengthen their position near the summit of the Championship table.
Esse is capable of operating on either wing or in an advanced midfield position.
He has featured just seven times for Palace in all competitions this campaign, including three outings in the UEFA Conference League.
The report further notes that the recent arrival of Brennan Johnson at Selhurst Park will further restrict Esse’s chances of regular first-team football.
Esse joined Palace from Championship outfit Millwall in January last year after netting seven goals in 66 appearances for the Lions.
He was an unused substitute as Palace lifted both the FA Cup and the Community Shield.
Esse found the net for the Eagles against Brentford last season with his very first touch for the club in the Premier League.