Ruben Selles is busy at work as the new Sheffield United manager, but he could be set to lose one of his top players this summer.
In the wake of Chris Wilder’s departure at Bramall Lane, Ruben Selles has been tasked with improving the Sheffield United squad and going one step further to get promoted next season.
He’s not been helped by the fact that star man Vini Souza has left the club in the last week, joining Wolfsburg for a reported £13m fee.
Now, Selles could be looking for a new goalkeeper, as Michael Cooper continues to be courted by top flight sides.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesEverton keep up chase for Michael Cooper
We’ve not seen many incomings or outgoings at Sheffield United so far, but Cooper has continually been linked with a move to Everton.
As per a new report from Alan Nixon on Patreon, the Toffees are not giving up their pursuit of the 25-year-old.
It is said Everton are willing to pay around £5m for the goalkeeper, but the Blades want a lot more than that for their number one man. Cooper joined United last summer for around £2m.
The main stumbling block for any move, though, is that Cooper is determined to be playing first-team football. At Everton, he would be fighting for game time with Jordan Pickford, which could be a deterrent.
Everton have been chasing Cooper for at least a month now, and it remains to be seen just how long they will continue this pursuit.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty ImagesWho could replace Michael Cooper at Sheffield United?
Let’s assume United do agree to sell Cooper this summer, there are options out there for them to replace him. If the Blades were willing to part with some cash, Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson would surely be the top choice, while Max O’Leary at Bristol City is a brilliant, slightly cheaper option.
Sheffield United could also browse the options among the Premier League free agents. At Tottenham Hotspur, there’s Alfie Whiteman, who is younger but far more inexperienced, or Fraser Forster who has enjoyed a long career at the top level.
Asmir Begovic is another veteran choice, but the Blades would probably be wanting to think more long-term.
They could also look at Championship free agents like Angus Gunn, who has just been released by Norwich City. At 29-years-old, he’s at the peak of his career, and would be a dependable pair of hands.