"Michael Cooper is going nowhere" - Sheffield United told how much money they must demand for star goalkeeper | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on Everton's interest in Michael Cooper

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Everton have reportedly set their sights on the signing of Michael Cooper from Sheffield United this summer.

According to Alan Nixon, the shot-stopper is attracting attention after the Blades failed to gain promotion to the Premier League.

Cooper joined the Yorkshire outfit last summer from Plymouth Argyle, and immediately cemented himself as a key part of Chris Wilder’s first team plans.

However, Sheffield United’s 2-1 loss to Sunderland in the play-off final last month has ensured the club will be competing in the Championship once again next season.

Michael Cooper asking price

When asked about Everton’s interest in Cooper, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, claimed the club absolutely cannot sell the 25-year-old this summer.

He believes it would have to take at least £20 million to convince Blades to cash in, although he’s also unsure if the goalkeeper would want to be a backup option, even if it meant going up to the Premier League.

“Michael Cooper is going nowhere,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“He is the absolute rock in our side, he is the foundation of what we are trying to build.

“He is certainly a Premier League standard goalkeeper, he won’t go as a backup to anybody.

“The only danger we have of losing Michael Cooper is if somebody like Leeds United, who will need to replace Meslier, if Burnley lose James Trafford they may come in for him, they are the dangers, really.

“But they would have to offer big money.

“And in terms of how much: I don’t necessarily think it’s how much he’s valued in an open market, it’s how much is he worth to Sheffield United?

“I think at least £20 million, at least £20 million, I would want £25 million plus, he’s that good.”

Cooper made 43 appearances in the regular Championship campaign, conceding 33 goals and keeping 21 clean sheets.

Cooper sale would have to be worth it for Sheffield United

Sheffield United will want to prioritise moves in other parts of the squad this summer in order to maintain their promotion ambitions.

If they have to replace Cooper on top of their other plans, then it has to be worth it financially to cash in.

That means an offer around the £20 million mark will be needed potentially, and it’s difficult to see Everton paying that much for a backup.

Sheffield United are in a strong negotiating position because they just signed Cooper last summer, so he should still have a few years left on his deal.