Exclusive: What Don Goodman thinks about Sheffield United's Michael Cooper succession plan - "exceptional" claim dropped | OneFootball

The Blades are said to be considering him as a potential transfer option this summer.

Sheffield United have Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle in their sights in case Michael Cooper moves on from Bramall Lane this summer.

£15 million is what the Blades will reportedly charge for Cooper this summer if he is to leave, amid links with Everton and West Ham United. That would leave them not just a big profit on their £2 million investment of a year ago, but also a decent bit of cash to reinvest into a new goalkeeper.

A goalkeeper is likely to leave the club this summer, with four currently challenging for first-team spots. Unitedites will hope that Cooper isn't the one to go, but if he does, their side have an exciting replacement lined up.

The Star have reported that Wigan shot-stopper Tickle, who was previously linked with Arsenal, is an option that United are considering going for in case their current number one leaves.

Sam Tickle is the real deal, says Sky Sports pundit

The 23-year-old keeper is widely regarded as the best in League One, as was proven by his selection in its Team of the Season. Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman believes that the Blades supporters should be excited by these links.

"Certainly, Michael Cooper would leave big boots to fill if he leaves Sheffield United. But Sam Tickle has just had an exceptional couple of seasons," Goodman exclusively told Football League World.

"He's a young goalkeeper, 23 years old. He played every game in League One last season, and every game the season before, and has kept 33 clean sheets in those two seasons, in a team that hasn't done particularly well, albeit he's done well. I think he was in the Team of the Season for League One last season.

"He's on a very similar projection projectile that Michael Cooper was on when he was in League 1 at Plymouth Argyle. I can see the similarities, and I could also see why Sheffield United would be interested in signing him."

Sheffield United have to move for Sam Tickle if Michael Cooper departs

Tickle is ready for a move up to the next level. In a Wigan side that hasn't had all that much success, he has 33 league clean sheets to his name over the past two seasons. That's seriously impressive when you consider that he hasn't had the defensive unit in front of him that Cooper had last season.

The 23-year-old has an incredible ability to pull off mind-boggling saves and win you points, whether it be one or three. That's the sort of keeper United already have, so, if he were to go, it's hard to imagine that they'd find a more like-for-like option than Tickle.