Michael Cooper, Jordan Pickford, Everton
(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Mon 16 June 2025 11:43, UK
Everton are set to fail in their efforts to sign Sheffield United star Michael Cooper as Jordan Pickford will remain their number one goalkeeper.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about the 25-year-old’s transfer plans amid growing interest in his signature.
Cooper is keen to remain the first-choice goalkeeper and is not keen to play backup to Pickford, just one year after making the move to the Blades from Plymouth.
The Toffees have begun working to sign a new second-choice keeper after both Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia left the club upon the expiry of their contracts.
Cooper had emerged as a target with a view to him becoming Pickford’s long-term successor, but he is determined to keep playing regular football.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, are under no pressure to cash in on their goalkeeper despite missing out on promotion to the Premier League.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper has been a transfer target for Everton. (Credit: Imago)
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Michael Cooper makes Sheffield United decision after Everton latest
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 30 May that Sheffield United are considering sacking Chris Wilder in what looks set to be a turbulent summer.
Their failure to achieve promotion to the Premier League has inspired growing speculation about the futures of a number of key players.
O’Rourke explained that Cooper’s future is unlikely to be affected, and he is likely to turn down any proposed move to Everton in favour of playing regular minutes.
“That will probably be the key factor,” he told Football Insider.
“Whether Michael Cooper would be interested in a move to Everton, because he in all likelihood would be the backup goalkeeper to Jordan Pickford.
“Pickford is the outstanding number one choice for Everton and I expect him to remain that for the foreseeable future as well.
“So would Cooper want to make that move as a backup? I’m not too sure, in all honesty.
“I think he wants to be playing regularly just to continue his own development.
“Sheffield United, I don’t think they’ll be in any rush to sell the keeper despite missing out on promotion to the Premier League.
“Everton are going to need some goalkeeper reinforcements.
“But I think a move for Cooper might be too hard because I don’t think Cooper at this stage of his career would be looking to go and play backup to Jordan Pickford.”
David Moyes
David Moyes is planning to bolster his Everton squad. (Credit: Imago)
Thierno Barry update emerges after ‘£35m’ claim
Alongside their ambitions of signing a new goalkeeper, David Moyes’ side are also aiming to bolster up front with new strikers on their radar.
Football Insider revealed on 14 June that Everton want to sign Villarreal star Thierno Barry and could make a big-money offer during the summer window.
Sources say a £35million bid would be enough to tempt the Spanish outfit into selling despite their current plans to keep the striker at the club.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Everton are resigned to losing Calvert-Lewin and will now turn their attentions towards landing a replacement.
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