Blackburn Rovers have Liam Cooper hope after Sheffield United, Leeds United reveal: View | OneFootball

Rovers should retain hope of securing an agreement for experienced centre-back Cooper, following recent developments.

Highlights

Leeds United look set to lose Liam Cooper.

According to a report from TEAMtalk earlier this month, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement regarding a new contract at Elland Road.

His departure won't come as a major surprise to some, even with the length of time he has spent with the Whites in mind.

Despite the fact he was a crucial first-teamer in the past, Daniel Farke didn't start the Scotland international regularly during the 2023/24 campaign.

The likes of Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu were ahead of him in the pecking order for much of the campaign and with Rodon returning to Elland Road permanently, it looks as though Cooper's game time in West Yorkshire will be limited again if he stays.

With this, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him seal a switch to another team in the coming weeks, with no shortage of interest in his signature.

Sheffield United could force Blackburn Rovers out of Liam Cooper race

It has been reported by the Lancashire Telegraph that Blackburn Rovers are in talks with Cooper about a potential move to Ewood Park.

However, they may not be alone in this race, with the same outlet reporting that the defender has also attracted interest from Sheffield United.

Whilst the takeover process drags on, the Blades may be limited in terms of what they can do in the transfer market.

However, Cameron Archer has recently sealed a permanent return to Aston Villa and that should give United plenty of money to play with.

Not only this, but they have only just been relegated from the Premier League and they should be in a decent financial position to offer a generous contract to Cooper.

Wages are likely to determine who wins this race for the defender, so the Blades could force Rovers out of the race with a sizeable salary offer for the ex-Leeds man.

Blackburn Rovers should retain hope of signing Liam Cooper

Although the Lancashire Telegraph have reported that wages are likely to be a determining factor, it has also been revealed that the player is willing to take a pay cut.

This should give Rovers hope that they could potentially get a deal over the line for the player, who is keen on securing regular game time after failing to do so at Elland Road last term.

With Rovers only having a limited number of centre-back options, and with Scott Wharton currently out injured, there's a real chance that Cooper could be heavily involved next term if he makes the move to Ewood Park.

Although regular starts aren't 100% guaranteed at either Ewood or Bramall Lane, he is likely to win more game time at Rovers.

Not only will they probably appreciate a player of Cooper's calibre more, as a side that are likely to battle lower down the table, but the Blades already have some talented centre-back options.

Chris Wilder's side could play with a back three during the 2024/25 campaign, but Cooper could potentially be kept out of the first XI by the likes of Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson, and Auston Trusty.

United may also have a bigger budget to address this area than Rovers do this summer, so the ex-Leeds man may benefit from choosing a move to John Eustace's side.