Lampard plans ambitious move for forgotten Premier League star banished by club

Rob Holding has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Coventry City after being expelled from Crystal Palace's squad.

The former Arsenal centre-back left the Emirates for Selhurst Park last year but has not made a single Premier League appearance for the Eagles since his £4million move.

And things got even worse for Holding earlier this season when Oliver Glasner revealed he was training with Palace's Under-23 team, all but confirming the defender's career at the club was over.

Despite a lack of playing time over the past 18 months, Holding is being targeted by Coventry's new head coach, Frank Lampard, who hopes the player can be convinced to join the Championship on loan to boost his career.

This is according to a new report from The Sun, which confirms that Holding is among the players who could leave Crystal Palace in the January transfer window.

Although Holding has had a miserable time at Palace, he has a wealth of experience. He made more than 160 appearances for Arsenal after impressing for his first club, Bolton Wanderers, in the Championship at the start of his career.

His presence would provide a boost to a Coventry team looking for success under Lampard, who succeeded the popular Mark Robins at the helm at the end of November.

The former Chelsea and Derby County boss has won three of his nine league games in charge, with the Sky Blues currently sitting in 15th place.

Glasner confirmed in September that Holding would no longer train with the first team, but the Crystal Palace head coach refused to reveal the reasons behind his decision to banish the 29-year-old. A previous report from The Athletic claims the defender objected to taking part in a post-match running session following the defeat to West Ham due to injuries. He did take part, but was then reportedly sent to train with the club's U23 squad.

During an earlier press conference, Glasner explained: “Rob (Holding) is currently training individually. We will talk together. He knows the reason, but it remains between me and Rob. Nothing public.”