Exclusive: Michael Cooper sent warning by Sky pundit as Everton plot Sheffield United raid | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has urged Michael Cooper to stay at Sheffield United amid Everton's interest in the goalkeeper.

Michael Cooper has emerged as a top transfer target for Everton this summer, but Sheffield United are playing hardball as interest grows in the in-form shot-stopper.

Despite having England No.1 Jordan Pickford on the books, the Toffees are reportedly willing to pay around £5 million plus add-ons for the Blades goalkeeper.

Everton plot move for Cooper - Blades won't budge on valuation

As per reports from Alan Nixon, the Merseyside club are actively pursuing Cooper following the departures of Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia.

They view the 25-year-old as ideal long-term cover and eventual competition for Pickford as they prepare to move into their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

However, Sheffield United, who paid up to £4 million to sign Cooper from Plymouth Argyle last summer, are demanding a higher fee after a stellar first campaign in South Yorkshire.

Cooper registered 23 clean sheets in 46 appearances across all competitions last season and posted a 77% save percentage in the Championship.

Lee Hendrie says Cooper should stay put at Sheffield United

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie strongly urged both Cooper and the club to resist Everton's advances this summer.

Asked as to how the club should react, Hendrie said: "Michael Cooper, he was excellent last season. Coming in and showing what he is worthy of and what his importance is to a squad, I think Sheffield United absolutely have to try and keep him."

While Everton's interest is serious, Hendrie questioned whether Cooper would even feature regularly at Goodison Park.

"I know Everton are trying to take Cooper, but you sit and wonder whether he is going to play if he goes to Everton?"

"You would think another season at Sheffield United, given what they did last season, and the potential of them possibly challenging for promotion again, I would be sitting tight thinking I want to play games."

Cooper's rise and his contract give Blades the upper hand

Cooper's career trajectory from Plymouth academy product to first-choice at a Championship promotion contender has not gone unnoticed.

With a long-term contract at Bramall Lane and a reluctance to sit on the bench again after injury-plagued years at Argyle, the ball remains firmly in Sheffield United's court.

"I think he should stay at Sheffield United," Hendrie concluded. "He's got bags of potential, and that's why he got the move in the first place. He should stay and keep proving himself."

Everton may be circling, but unless they return with a significantly improved offer and a promise of Premier League starts, the Blades look set to hold firm.