Watford stance on Liam Cooper transfer as contract talks collapse after Leeds United exit
Watford have “sniffed around” Liam Cooper following his Leeds United exit at the end of last season, according to Beren Cross.
The Leeds Live journalist reported on Friday (2 August) that the Championship club have considered a summer move for the Scotland international after contract talks with Blackburn Rovers collapsed.
John Eustace’s side had held discussions with the 31-year-old this summer, however, they have instead decided to sign Danny Batth and Kyle McFazdean and therefore have parked negotiations with Cooper.
Stoke City had also been credited with an interest in the former Leeds skipper, but they have turned their attention to new targets while Watford’s initial interest has not yet progressed past the original enquiries.
Has Liam Cooper signed with a new club after Leeds United exit?
It is perhaps a bit of a surprise to see Cooper still without a club at this stage of the summer transfer window given his experience and knowledge of the Championship.
But the Scotland international hasn’t played regularly over the past couple of seasons at Leeds United and that lack of football will have harmed his negotiating position as he continues to look for a new club as a free agent.
It was the right call for the 31-year-old to leave Elland Road this summer as he would have continued to be little more than a rotation option under the management of Daniel Farke and he is more than capable of playing week in and week out at this level.
However, he may have to be willing to drop a fair way down the division and potentially not pen the long-term deal that he has been looking for if he wants to join a new club before the Championship season gets underway.
Hopefully, Cooper will find a new club sooner rather than later so that the Whites can finally honour a modern-day great in the way that he deserves.
In other Leeds United news, Norwich City’s stance on selling Gabriel Sara has emerged amid links with a summer transfer to Elland Road
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