Coventry City are being dragged through something of a transfer circus with Gambia international Abdoulie Manneh.
On November 5th, it was reported in Sweden that Mjällby AIF had paused negotiations. That came just a couple of days after it was reported Coventry were in talks and could wrap it up within a few weeks.
The reason for the pause was to see if anyone else came forward and offered Mjällby AIF, and presumably the player, a better deal.
Then on November 7th, Stoke City were thrown into the mix in Sweden. According to the claims, they were set to make contact for Manneh. All of this seemed rather convenient and potentially a ruse to get more money out of Coventry City.
The same week saw claims from Africa, and specifically Gambian journalist Foday Manneh.
He reported Bournemouth had reignited their interest, but then last week it changed back to Coventry City being in the lead again. It’s a reasonable bet this information has been coming directly from Manneh’s camp.
Sweden’s Fotbolldirekt now report Mjällby AIF haven’t actually received any offers. However, their update is that an unnamed Premier League club are in talks.
The earlier Bournemouth claims are mentioned, although it’s made clear it’s unknown whether they’re the club in contact. Fotbolldirekt report Coventry City held a meeting last week, but don’t say whether that was with Mjällby AIF or the player.
At multiple points it’s looked like a prolonged effort to get more money out of Coventry City. That’s likely related to transfer fee and salary package.
How long the Championship club are prepared to continue with this pursuit remains to be seen. There’ll almost certainly be new twists on the way.
