Sheffield United should solve goalkeeper issue with swoop for Plymouth Argyle man: View | OneFootball

The shot-stopper has turned down a lucrative deal to stay with the Pilgrims, and will leave the club this summer

Sheffield United could have a goalkeeping dilemma on their hands this summer, and the latest ongoings at Plymouth Argyle could play right into their hands.

The Blades have already waved goodbye to Wes Foderingham and Jordan Amissah since the season came to a close - with the former joining West Ham United - while Ivo Grbic is said to be wanted by Spanish clubs this summer.

Adam Davies is also yet to sign a new deal at Bramall Lane, leaving Chris Wilder down to the bare bones in terms of shot-stopping options for the season ahead, meaning he will have to delve into the transfer market to find replacements.

And with the news that Michael Cooper has rejected a deal to extend his current contract with Argyle, a ready-made replacement is ready and available this summer, with the Greens looking to cash in while they still can.

Sheffield United can capitalise from Michael Cooper, Plymouth Argyle contract rejection

The deal that the Greens were said to have offered the 24-year-old would have made him the best-paid player at the club, but Cooper has made his intentions clear that his future lies beyond Home Park.

With his contract up next summer, the Pilgrims will want to get as much as they can for the academy product, before they risk losing him for free in 12 months’ time, and United will certainly have had their heads turned by the latest situation in Devon.

Cooper is said to have his admirers at Bramall Lane already, and with the current situation regarding glovesmen at the club the way it is, this marks the perfect opportunity for the Yorkshire side to pounce on one of the division’s hottest talents.

Having played 141 league games for his local side during his career to date, Cooper has become an influential figure for the Devon outfit, with his outstanding displays between the sticks earning him plenty of plaudits.

The shot-stopper was an ever-present for two straight seasons in league competition, and played a huge part in the Pilgrims’ 22/23 League One promotion campaign, although injury in the February prevented him from seeing the job through.

A further 19 appearances in the Championship last season added further evidence that the goalkeeper is ready to be tested on a bigger stage, with his presence between the sticks a reassuring sight as Argyle battled relegation.

The Greens’ number one seems to have it all; outstanding reflexes, great commandment of his penalty area, comfortable with the ball at his feet and an expert in distribution, and will be a welcome addition to any promotion-chasing side for the campaign ahead.

Indeed, the injury troubles of the past two years are probably all that have kept the local lad with the club he supported as a boy until this moment in time, having had raved reviews ever since he was coming up through the academy in the south west.

United won’t be alone if they are to pursue a deal for the goalkeeper this summer, with plenty of Championship clubs likely to want to get their hands on the 24-year-old at a bargain price.

The Sun journalist Alan Nixon already claimed that plenty of sides are monitoring the Argyle man, while Aston Villa are are said to have had a long-term interest.

Sheffield United takeover delay could hamper Michael Cooper deal

The Steel City side have been up for sale for quite some time now, and are currently in talks with an American group about a takeover of the club, but with the process dragging along, clubs are stealing a march on the Blades in this summer’s transfer window.

A number of players are still up in the air about where there future lies with the club due to the ongoings behind the scenes at Bramall Lane, with Ben Osborn leaving the club for Derby County, while Oli McBurnie is yet to have his fate decided.

With the amount of turnover at the club this summer, it is imperative that the Yorkshire side are able to get about their business sooner rather than later, or they risk missing out on top targets amid their attempts for an immediate return to the Premier League.