Ruben Selles drops big update on Michael Cooper's Sheffield United future | OneFootball

The 25-year-old had been linked with a Premier League move.

Ruben Selles has confirmed Sheffield United's transfer plans for goalkeeper Michael Cooper.

A pillar of consistency for the Blades last time out, Cooper's first season at Bramall Lane has attracted Premier League attention.

Everton are the ones that have most heavily been linked with the 25-year-old, but, according to the reports by Alan Nixon, he'd be used as a secondary option behind England number one Jordan Pickford. They'd reportedly be willing to pay £5 million plus extras for him.

Cooper played in Selles' first unofficial game in charge of the club - a 6-2 victory in a friendly against York City - but he hasn't played in either of the two warm-up matches since then.

His absence on Tuesday night, in particular, for United's match against League One opponents Burton Albion, raised eyebrows among supporters about where his future may lie.

Ruben Selles addresses Michael Cooper future fears

Selles has shut down any suggestions that Cooper is going anywhere this summer. Speaking after the 2-1 win over Burton, the Spaniard explained, via The Star, why the ex-Plymouth Argyle shot-stopper hasn't been involved recently.

"The last game was a decision from me to give the other goalkeepers some minutes. Today he felt a bit of discomfort in the knee but he should be back in a couple of days.

"He’s definitely staying, it’s not about that. I understand the concerns because he wasn’t there but it’s nothing to do with that."

United bought Cooper for an initial £2 million in the last summer window. It could rise to £4 million if the deal's add-ons stipulations are met. He quickly staked a claim as one of the Championship's best goalkeepers, logging 21 clean sheets in 43 appearances for Chris Wilder.

There is scope for at least one of the club's keepers to move on this summer, whether it be permanently or on loan.

Ivo Grbic may have been a natural candidate for this, but Selles has said that he has been impressed with the Croatian so far in pre-season and will be given a chance to show his worth before the start of the season. He played the final 20 minutes of Tuesday night's friendly.

Sheffield United won't be bullied into selling Michael Cooper

The Blades will be under very minimal pressure to let go of Cooper unless an undisputably good offer comes in for him. His contract length wasn't stated upon his initial arrival at Bramall Lane, but it is claimed that he agreed to a four-year deal with United.

Even with the sale of Vinicius Souza, and the potential for Gus Hamer to leave, Selles should have this side as a promotion contender once again, giving Cooper the opportunity to potentially be a starting keeper at the highest level, as opposed to a number two.

If next summer rolls around and the Blades are still a Championship club, then the pressure to sell him may ramp up, but that is a long while off.