Sheffield Wednesday have previous when it comes to signing Leeds United centre-backs.
With Sheffield Wednesday’s centre-back search seemingly no closer to bearing fruit, should Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal turn to a Leeds United player whose future is growing increasingly uncertain?
HITC Sport has taken a look…
Sheffield Wednesday’s Steven Fletcher (left) in action with Leeds United’s Liam Cooper
What’s his situation?
Liam Cooper was Leeds’ third choice last season and could fall further down the pecking order if new boss Thomas Christiansen gets his wish of further defensive recruits, even after Matthew Pennington’s arrival earlier this week. With the Scot’s contract up at the end of the coming campaign, the Whites could seek to move him on this summer.
Why would Wednesday want him?
Carvalhal has admitted he’s chasing two new centre-backs this summer, with only one of those likely to feature regularly if Tom Lees is fit. As far as back-up options go, Cooper could be ideal; he’s a good age (25), has made close to 100 Championship appearances – many as Leeds captain – and is a natural left-sider, who can also cover at full-back if required. Although not universally popular at Elland Road, Lees’ progress since swapping Yorkshire rivals should serve as encouragement to the Owls.
Leeds United’s Liam Cooper remonstrates with the assistant referee
Would he move to Hillsborough?
The way things are going – i.e. if Leeds continue to recruit and Wednesday continue failing to do so – Cooper would perhaps consider an Owls offer should one materialise. His chances of playing regular football are arguably greater under Carvalhal at present, and Wednesday could almost certainly pay him more money. Having previously received international call ups for the country directly north of Hadrian’s Wall, Cooper would fit in well at Sheffield 6.
Should Sheffield Wednesday turn to Leeds’ Liam Cooper?
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