Everton plotting Sheffield United transfer deal - David Moyes could face roadblock | OneFootball

Everton are reportedly interested in a summer move for Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper

Everton are reportedly plotting a summer transfer swoop for Sheffield United's Michael Cooper after the Blades were denied of an immediate return to the Premier League in last month's play-off final defeat to Sunderland, although the player's own stance could impose a roadblock for David Moyes.

As reported by The Sun journalist Alan Nixon via his exclusive Patreon service on Sunday morning, the Toffees are interested in acquiring Cooper to provide cover behind current first-choice Jordan Pickford.

It's little surprise to see the 25-year-old attracting interest following a hugely impressive debut campaign at Bramall Lane, having only joined last summer from Plymouth Argyle in a reported initial £2 million deal.

Cooper was one of the standout shot-stoppers throughout the Championship as the Blades made it to the play-off final at Wembley, and is one of a number of players who have been tipped to leave the red-and-white quarters of the Steel City in the wake of the side's failed promotion bid.

The Blades will be desperate to retain stars such as Cooper, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Vini Souza and Championship Player of the Season winner Gus Hamer ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Everton's transfer interest in Sheffield United's Michael Cooper

According to Nixon's report, Toffees boss Moyes is eager to strengthen the depth and cover behind Pickford, with goalkeeping duo Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia both set to leave Merseyside at the end of their contracts later this month.

Cooper, who is homegrown and has been a standout performer in the second-tier over the past two seasons, would certainly fit the bill as a strong deputy to Pickford. However, a deal may prove difficult to get over the line.

Nixon's report claims that Sheffield United, despite missing out on promotion and the corresponding riches of the Premier League, are in no rush to sell. The ex-Pilgrims star penned a four-year deal at Bramall Lane less than twelve months ago, which means a significant fee would surely be required to prize him away.

As per Nixon's update, Cooper is not keen on any move that could see him sitting on the bench at this stage of his career too, and that may well be the biggest challenge in Everton's way if they are intent on sealing a deal in the coming weeks and months.

Sheffield United's Michael Cooper is too good to be second-choice amid Everton transfer interest

While Cooper rightly would not start over Pickford just yet, he would likely face little issue in finding a starting berth with a host of other top-flight sides, and that is sure to form part of his thinking if he is indeed assessing his options right now.

Cooper is still relatively young for a goalkeeper, but has proven himself throughout the EFL ladder and has justified a step-up to the Premier League.

He would, for example, offer an upgrade on the existing options - Ilian Meslier and Anthony Patterson - with promoted duo Leeds United and Sunderland respectively, while Cooper could also force his way into the starting eleven at the likes of Wolves, West Ham and perhaps even Fulham.

He's going to face no shortage of interest this summer, you would imagine, and the opportunity to play week-in, week-out elsewhere in the top-flight will likely be much more attractive than a move to be second-fiddle at Everton.