Plymouth Argyle: Bolton Wanderers man eyed up as Michael Cooper transfer saga continues | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle could be targeting Bolton's number one, if Michael Cooper departs Home Park this summer.

Plymouth Argyle could move for Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Nathan Baxter this summer if Michael Cooper departs Home Park.

This is according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon account, who places the former Hull City and Chelsea stopper on the radar of Wayne Rooney.

Baxter featured on Saturday in Bolton's opening match of the League One season as they defeated Leyton Orient 2-1, thanks to a late winner from Victor Adebayo.

Ian Evatt also had a lot to thank Baxter for, who made a solid four saves across the 90 minutes, including a brilliant last-gasp one to deny Orient striker Charlie Kelman.

This performance would have only affirmed the need for Evatt to retain Baxter. However, if Plymouth come calling with a suitable offer for the 25-year-old, then it may be difficult to turn down - especially if they have funds to spend from Cooper's potential exit.

Plymouth Argyle to target Nathan Baxter if Michael Cooper leaves amid Sheffield United interest

As reported by Nixon, this deal is all dependent on whether Cooper leaves Plymouth this summer.

Currently, several clubs are interested, including Sheffield United and Crystal Palace. Additionally, an offer has been made according to Rooney, who said the fee was "very far away" from the club's valuation of the 24-year-old, which is now said to be £6 million that the Plymouth hierarchy are demanding - double the quoted figure from late July.

It is an eye-watering figure for a player that has made just 19 Championship appearances to date in his career due to injuries, and it would suggest that Cooper could remain at Home Park beyond the August 30 deadline, with Sheffield United's latest offer only totalling close to £3 million with add-ons, as per Nixon.

If he does depart, then Nixon claims that Argyle are looking at Baxter to take his place. The 25-year-old made 44 appearances in all competitions for the Trotters last season, and with just under a year left on his current deal, he may prove financially viable for the Devon outfit.

Currently, it is not understood what valuation Bolton would set for Baxter, but if Cooper were to be cashed in on for a significant fee, they would have the funds to seriously test the resolve of Ian Evatt and co at the Greater Manchester club.

Given the window only has two and a half weeks left, Bolton could play hardball with the sale of Baxter, due to the difficulty of finding a replacement on such short notice.

Plymouth would, of course, be perturbed by this, but given their strict stance regarding Cooper, they would hardly have a foot to stand on.

Behind Baxter, they have Joel Coleman, but the former Huddersfield Town man has never been a number one.

Elsewhere, they also have a new signing in Luke Southwood, who is adapting to life after moving from Cheltenham Town. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Evatt could fully trust either of these two if it came to playing a whole campaign.

If Bolton had the opportunity, they would likely be eager to sell Baxter, generating some valuable funds before the transfer window closes.