TIME TO GO

COOPER ON THE BRINK OF £2M MOVE TO SHEFFIELD UNITED

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

WAYNE Rooney has spoken of his disappointment that goalkeeper Michael Cooper is on the verge of leaving Plymouth Argyle for Sheffield United.

Cooper travelled to Yorkshire yesterday to finalise his transfer, which Herald Sport understands is for a £2 million initial fee but could rise up to £4m with add-ons. The Pilgrims have also negotiated a good-sized sell-on clause.

Argyle had been working behind the scenes on lining up a potential replacement for Cooper even before the deal for him was agreed with United, after he had turned down the chance of a new long-term contract, but Rooney stated that would speed up now over the next 24-48 hours.

With the imminent departure of Cooper, it leaves Argyle with Conor Hazard as their only senior ‘keeper for the time being, while second-year professional Zak Baker is in the process of being recalled from his loan at Plymouth Parkway.

Rooney addressed the latest developments about Cooper at his prematch Press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup first round tie against Cheltenham Town at Home Park tonight.

He revealed that Cooper had told him very early on after the England legend was appointed by Argyle in May that he wanted to move on. “What I will say, I don’t think it was for financial reasons,” said Rooney. “I think from my conversation with him he wanted a different challenge and he had been here a long time.