Portsmouth want to sign Liam Cooper amid unrest at Leeds United.

Portsmouth want to sign Liam Cooper, he's finished at Leeds United - Sources

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

19 Aug 2024, 11:40 am

Portsmouth are in hot pursuit of Liam Cooper with there being no hope that he stays on at Leeds United, MOT Leeds News has been told.

The 32-year-old defender's contract expired at the end of last season but there's since been no official word on whether or not he will be staying on at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke suggested earlier in August that Cooper's time at the club was up when the Leeds manager spoke about the centre-back as though he'd already left [Glasgow Times].

Portsmouth want to sign free agent Liam Cooper amid Leeds United unrest

MOT Leeds News has learnt from a source close to Thorp Arch that while Cooper is still undecided about who he'll be playing for this season, it definitely won't be Leeds United as unrest plagues the West Yorkshire club.

Leeds fans have been in uproar over a winless start to the campaign and a lack of new signings despite Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter - who is set to join Brighton - being sold for well over £100million combined.

Portsmouth, who held Leeds to a 3-3 draw on the opening day of the season, want to sign Cooper.

Pompey manager John Mousinho has played down previous reports linking the South Coast club with a move for the former Leeds captain [The News].

However, MOT Leeds News understands that a free transfer to Fratton Park is an option for the Hull-born Scotland international.

While only 11 days of the summer transfer window remain, Cooper's free-agent status means he is under no pressure to make a decision.

Liam Cooper was Leeds United's longest-serving player and captained the side for eight seasons

Graham Smyth revealed [7 August] that, while Leeds had made no concrete offer for the defender to stay, a verbal offer had been made in principle, a deal which included a wage less than what is expected in League One.

Blackburn Rovers are also said to be interested in the centre-half, though the parties have failed to strike an agreement, with Cooper's camp hesitating over a one-year deal, as per the Lancashire Telegraph.

In other Leeds United news, Sunderland have made a new decision on Jack Clarke in a new transfer update at Elland Road.

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Liam Cooper

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