Sheffield United ready to spend Osula’s money on Michael Cooper

Sheffield United are interested in spending £3m of the Will Osula sale money on Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper, according to Alan Nixon.

Sheffield United have had a challenging transfer window as uncertainty over a takeover has hampered business and increased pessimism among the Blades faithful.

Chris Wilder and the recruitment team have worked well in difficult circumstances to bring in some fresh faces. However, clarity is needed as ownership negotiations drag on and hamper their activity in the transfer market.

Yet the Blades remain on the hunt for big-name signings, with Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper among them.

And amid reports of striker Will Osula’s imminent £10million move to Newcastle United, the door could be open for Sheffield United to make their move for Cooper.

Writing on his Patreon, reporter Alan Nixon said negotiations over a £3million deal are ongoing between the Blades and the Pilgrims, with the club prepared to spend the funds raised from the sale of Osula to bring the 24-year-old to Bramall Lane.

Furthermore, while Crystal Palace are interested in Cooper, the offer of regular minutes with Wilder and co puts them in a better position to strike a deal for him this summer.

An EFL highlight

The last 18 months or so of Cooper’s career have been blighted by knee injuries. However, if Sheffield United were to do a deal for him, they would be getting a real EFL standout.

While in League One, he was on his way to cementing his place as one of the best goalkeepers outside of the Premier League, and although action was limited at times last season, he still impressed heavily for Plymouth Argyle when available.

Back fit and ready for the season, Cooper will be looking to take the Championship by storm. Crystal Palace’s interest says a lot about his abilities, but at this stage of his career and after a difficult time with injuries, it is crucial that he plays regularly.

A move to Bramall Lane would give him the chance to do that, but time will tell whether a deal can be struck amid the ongoing takeover uncertainty.

A position to strengthen

Sheffield United saw goalkeeper Wes Foderingham leave the club at the end of the season, so there will be a new first-choice at Bramall Lane going forward.

It was perhaps hoped that Ivo Grbic could take on that role following his arrival in January.

However, it’s safe to say he hasn’t managed to convince anyone that he’s capable of holding down that starting position. The Croatian has hardly been helped by a leaky defence, so he’ll be eager to impress if given the chance.

But if Cooper does arrive, one has to think he will be Foderingham’s immediate and long-term heir.