West Ham make final checks on signing Michael Cooper amid £15m exit news
West Ham could now have the perfect opportunity to sign Michael Cooper.
The Sheffield United man was one of the standout shot stoppers in the Championship last season despite missing out on promotion.
As a result, the Blades could cash in on Cooper as they look to recoup some funds from their failed promotion push.
With Graham Potter wanting a new number one to replace Alphonse Areola, Cooper could be the perfect alternative.
West Ham to bid £15million for Cooper
Sheffield United have so far been unwilling to let go of Cooper this summer, despite strong interest from Everton.
The Hammers require goalkeepers this summer after Fabianski departed the London club.
As it stands, Potter has Areola and Wes Foderingham as well as Krisztián Hegyi, who has been promoted to the first team, but he could now look to add another keeper to the list.
According to The Sun’s print edition (page 58, 28 July), West Ham have put Sheffield United keeper Cooper on their wanted list.
The Blades want £15million, with Potter’s side now making the final checks on the 25-year-old before potentially making a move.
While Ruben Selles’ side have turned down approaches for Everton, with the chance to become a starting goalkeeper in the Premier League, Cooper could push for the move should the Irons come close to his valuation.
The former Plymouth man would prove a cheaper alternative to Leicester’s Mads Hermansen, who they have been linked with in recent weeks.
With Potter’s eyes on bringing in a new number one, this could spell the end for Areola’s time in East London.
Areola’s time at the London Stadium could be coming to an end
Potter has offered Areola a clear sign that he isn’t wanted at the Hammers.
| Clean Sheets | 21 (=2nd) |
| Save Percentage | 76.9% (2nd) |
| Goals Prevented | 5.7 (5th) |
| Goals Conceded per 90 | 0.8 (3rd) |
Cooper could be the perfect cheap and reliable replacement.
While Areola had a respectable campaign last time out, there is an upgrade to be had on him, and at 32 years old, his value will only deteriorate.
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