John Eustace shares Liam Cooper to Blackburn Rovers update after Leeds United news
Blackburn Rovers head coach John Eustace has revealed “nothing had progressed” with Liam Cooper following his Leeds United exit.
The 32-year-old centre-back is currently a free agent after seeing his contract at Elland Road expire last month, now being linked with a move to Ewood Park.
The Rovers are currently “deadlocked” in contract talks with the veteran defender, according to the Lancashire Telegraph, and extending his stay at Elland Road still remains an option.
Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph on Monday (29 July), Eustace said: “I want as many players as we can, you can see the squad is very thin.
“It’s very evident that the squad needs improving, the right characters, the right experience, to make us better.
“I think whoever we bring in, we have to make sure they’re making the positions very competitive. It’s vital the recruitment team are working their socks off, which they are, to bring the right characters in.”
Liam Cooper in limbo after Leeds United exit
A return to Leeds still remains an option for the defender, and even if he may not get the game time he would prefer next season, he must consider it.
While there are other players at Elland Road who would be above him in the pecking order, Cooper would add some much-needed experience and wisdom to the squad ahead of the next campaign.
The 32-year-old was part of the squad that won promotion to the Premier League during the 2019/20 campaign, winning the Championship title under Marcelo Bielsa, where he started 36 league matches.
Daniel Farke has made it very clear that Cooper would be given a bit-part role next season, but he would be open to offering him a new contract due to his leadership abilities, even from the bench.
With Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and Max Wober now in the team, Cooper would likely be the fourth-choice option which is not what he wants, but finding himself without a club once the transfer window closes would be even worse.
In other Leeds United news, Everton have made a new transfer decision on Wilfried Gnonto.
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