Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper has been urged to stay by EFL pundit Don Goodman amid links to Everton.
Sheffield United’s stopper has apparently emerged on the radar of the Toffees this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon page. SUFC could face a battle to keep him.
SUFC - Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Cooper, 25, has been a hit since joining the Blades in August last year. He was snapped up from Plymouth Argyle.
Goodman has said, as per Football League World: “Everton may want to sign Michael Cooper. But if it is as a backup to Jordan Pickford, then I don’t think that would be on the table from his point of view. He’s been playing week in and week out, and were it not for the incredible season that James Trafford has just had, we’d be hailing Michael Cooper’s season as one of the best by a goalkeeper that we’ve seen in the Championship.
“So, I can’t see the move happening myself. It may be tempting that he’d be going to a Premier League club. But to go to a Premier League club and sit on the bench, particularly at this stage of his career, I don’t really see that happening.”
Sheffield United latest regarding Michael Cooper
Sheffield United signed Cooper 12 months ago and he has since made the number one spot his own at Bramall Lane. SUFC brought him in to boost their goalkeeping department.
SUFC - Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder
Image courtesy of: SCOTT HEPPELL/REUTERS.
The Exeter-born man played 46 games in all competitions last season, 43 of which came in the league. He helped the Blades reach the play-off final in the Championship. However, they were beaten at Wembley by Sunderland 2-1 last month and missed out on promotion to the Premier League.
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Cooper rose up through the academy at Plymouth Argyle and broke into their first-team as a youngster. He went on to make 170 appearances for the Pilgrims altogether before he left Home Park.
What now for Michael Cooper at Sheffield United?
Sheffield United will be desperate to keep hold of Cooper over the next couple of months amid talk of Everton being interested. SUFC are at risk of losing their key players though after their defeat to Sunderland.
As Goodman alluded to, Cooper is unlikely to get past Jordan Pickford if he joined the Toffees. Therefore, he should stay put for now and get another year of regular action under his belt.
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Chris Wilder has the chance to bring in some new signings to boost his squad. He also has the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well if needed.