How much money Everton FC are willing to pay for Sheffield United star Michael Cooper | OneFootball

Everton are continuing their pursuit of Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper

Everton are continuing their pursuit of Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper, but the Blades are holding out for more than what the Premier League side are willing to pay.

Following the departures of both Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia at the end of their contracts, the Toffees are desperately seeking cover for England number one Jordan Pickford ahead of their move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Cooper's potential availability will be an opportunity for them to secure a goalkeeper with both top-flight potential and proven Championship pedigree.

His journey from Plymouth Argyle academy graduate to Sheffield United's first-choice shows the development trajectory that could appeal to a team planning for long-term success.

How much money Everton FC are willing to pay for Sheffield United's Michael Cooper

According to Alan Nixon's Patreon, the Merseyside club are determined to land Cooper - and are prepared to around £5m plus add-ons to make it happen.

Cooper's debut season at Bramall Lane would have clearly intensified interest, as he kept 23 clean sheets in 46 appearances across all competitions for Sheffield United, conceding just 35 goals whilst doing so.

But Nixon's report states that the offer doesn't match Blades' expectations, and they are wanting a lot more - his Championship save percentage of 77% shows why.

They're also under no pressure to sell following their play-off final defeat to Sunderland. The South Yorkshire side initially paid Plymouth Argyle around £2m for Cooper's services last summer - which could potentially double to £4m with various add-ons met.

Sheffield United's Michael Cooper is reluctant to accept backup role at Everton FC

The most significant obstacle to any potential deal lies in Cooper's own career ambitions. Having spent periods on the sidelines due to injury during his Pilgrim playing days, the goalkeeper has expressed his unwillingness to return to a backup role.

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman exclusively told FLW that he advises Cooper to not make the move, saying "To go to a Premier League club and sit on the bench, particularly at this stage of his career, I don't really see that happening."

Having proven himself as a top-class Championship shot-stopper, Cooper will surely only be willing to move into the Premier League as first-choice, a role which could be available with other top-flight sides in the months to come or even the Blades this time next year, should they achieve promotion under new boss Ruben Selles.

The goalkeeper's contract situation also adds a challenge to any potential transfer. With Cooper signing a four-year contract with Blades, the club do hold a strong negotiating position with no immediate pressure to sell - so Everton will certainly need to improve their prospective offer of £5m if they are serious about landing the 25-year-old.