Bamford trains with Coventry City as free agent, no contract planned

Patrick Bamford, the 32 year old striker who parted company with Leeds United over the summer, has been training with Championship leaders Coventry City after contacting manager Frank Lampard, the club confirmed. Bamford arrived at Coventry's Ryton training centre on Thursday as a free agent and will use the sessions to maintain fitness while he seeks a new club.

Lampard said the arrangement was a favour to a former Chelsea teammate rather than a precursor to a signing. "Yeah, I guess you could call it doing him a favour. I know Patrick well and he hasnt got a club. Hes training with us. Im very happy, hes a good lad, Patrick. Hes very easy. I know the conclusions everyones going to get to but hes just training with us," he said. Club sources said there were no current plans to offer Bamford a contract.

Coventry, who sit at the top of the Championship after a run of unbeaten results that included a 3-1 win over Watford on Saturday, are in the early stages of a promotion push under Lampard that has drawn attention to any additions to their squad. Bamford's presence at training has prompted speculation because Lampard last season gave trialist Jamie Paterson a route into his squad...