LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Jason Wilcox, Technical Director of Manchester United during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Coventry City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Carlton Palmer has issued advice to Plymouth Argyle’s in-demand shot-stopper Michael Cooper, who has earned interest from Crystal Palace and Coventry City this summer.
The Pilgrims will face a battle to retain Cooper, who has less than a year to run on his current contract and has rejected the offer of a fresh agreement that would make him the highest earner in the club’s history, according to the Plymouth Herald.
The report adds that Argyle are open to offers for the 24-year-old, with Alan Nixon separately reporting via his Patreon service that Crystal Palace and Coventry are both interested.
It’s also been claimed by the Sheffield Star that Cooper is among Sheffield United’s top transfer targets following their relegation from the Premier League last term, although their ongoing takeover has been restrictive to potentially conducting big-money transfer business thus far.
Wayne Rooney, who was appointed as Plymouth boss after they narrowly secured Championship survival in the 2023/24 campaign, spoke on the situations pertaining to both Cooper and Morgan Whittaker at a recent supporters’ event via the Argyle Life / Green and White podcast on X.
Rooney is reported to have said of Cooper: “One of the best ‘keepers in the league, of course we want to keep him.
“[There is] interest in him and Morgan, but if anyone offers silly money then they will need to be listened to. In my opinion, Michael Cooper will be here for the season.”
However, Cooper’s contract situation puts Plymouth in a difficult situation and Rooney will need to decide whether to cash in now or try and convince the asset to stay put, which is a risk given the threat of losing him for free next summer.
Carlton Palmer issues verdict on Plymouth Argyle’s Michael Cooper amid Crystal Palace, Coventry City transfer interest
Palmer believes that Plymouth will likely cash in on Cooper with his current contract situation showing no signs of resolution and has highlighted Coventry as an ideal option for the ‘keeper.
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said: “He’s got under 12 months left on his contract and he’s refusing to sign a new contract at the moment as the terms don’t suit him. In an ideal world he’d like to resign at Plymouth because he’s guaranteed the number one spot but at this moment in time, he can’t agree terms.
