A new goalkeeping name has somewhat surprisingly been put to Newcastle United by intermediaries.
The goalkeeping department at Newcastle United saw yet more changes over the course of the summer transfer window.
Aaron Ramsdale joined the club after they missed out on James Trafford, while Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos departed.
Still, such was the strength in depth in that department, Eddie Howe still has options.
Indeed, Ramsdale battles Nick Pope for a starting berth. John Ruddy is third-choice, while academy graduate Max Thompson played in pre-season.
However, it seems the club have been offered the chance to sign Sheffield United stopper Michael Cooper.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty ImagesMichael Cooper linked with Newcastle United
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle are already looking at young goalkeepers for future transfer windows.
Pope is 33 and there is no guarantee Ramsdale will stay at St James’ Park next season given he’s only on loan from Southampton.
They suggest that intermediaries have put forward Cooper’s name. Everton and West Ham are also both said to be interested, too.
The 25-year-old started his career at Plymouth before joining the Blades in 2024. His contract will expire in 2026.
Michael Cooper stats for Sheffield United
It has been a terrible season for Sheffield United after they came so close to promotion last year.
Replacing manager Chris Wilder with Ruben Selles has so far not gone to plan, with the former Reading boss having lost all five of his Championship games thus far.
They are rooted to the bottom of the table and Cooper has conceded 12 goals, including five against Ipswich on Friday night.
Cooper could certainly have done better for a couple of them but blaming him alone for the team’s wider struggles feels harsh.
This season in the Championship, Cooper has amassed a save percentage of 62.5%, which sees him rank 16th in the division.
Last season however, that average stood at 76.2%, which put him just behind Trafford in that respect.