West Ham line up Cooper after Everton rejection, £15m to seal deal
Everton are keen to flesh out David Moyes’ options in goal this season.
Both Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic left the Toffees at the end of the season, and Harry Tyrer could yet re-join Blackpool after spending last season on loan with the Tangerines.
That would leave just Jordan Pickford and new signing Mark Travers, after the Irishman arrived from Bournemouth in a deal worth around £4million.
Everton are keen to strengthen their depth in several other positions this summer too, having signed just Thierno Barry, Travers and Carlos Alcaraz so far.
West Ham plotting Cooper move
Michael Cooper heavily impressed for Sheffield United last season, after joining from Plymouth for around £4million last summer.
The 25-year-old made 43 league appearances for the Blades, keeping 23 clean sheets as Chris Wilder’s side missed out on Premier League promotion by the finest of margins.
Cooper has superb reflexes and a great domination of his box, despite coming in on the shorter side – at six feet and one inch.
The goalkeeper’s performances in the Championship have attracted plenty of interest from Premier League sides, including Everton.
| Michael Cooper | Championship |
| Appearances | 62 |
| Clean sheets | 27 |
According to Alan Nixon via Patreon (27 July), the Toffees had an initial approach turned down for the shot-stopper, who was not keen on a move to The Hill Dickinson Stadium.
But he would be open to a move to West Ham if he is given the chance to start, and the Hammers are making “final checks” on the goalkeeper before they decide to make a move.
Sheffield United would want around £15m for Cooper, who is among a list of Graham Potter’s targets that also includes Mads Hermansen and Zion Suzuki.
Cooper is not the right target for Everton
Given Everton’s overwhelming need for depth in several outfield positions, it would not be wise to spend £15m on further goalkeeping depth.
Pickford has more than proved himself as the Toffees’ number one and at 31, will not be going anywhere for a long time yet.
Instead, Everton should look to the free agents market for a new third-choice goalkeeper, with low-cost options such as Angus Gunn and Matthew Ryan available.
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