Portsmouth pushing hard to sign Liam Cooper following Leeds United exit – Sources
Portsmouth are pushing hard to strike a deal to sign free agent Liam Cooper following the expiration of his contract at Leeds United, Pompey News has been told.
Cooper’s 10-year spell at Elland Road came to an end this summer, though there has been no official word over whether or not he will be staying at Leeds.
John Mousinho has already suggested that links to the 32-year-old defender are wide of the mark [The News], though Pompey News understands that the newly promoted Championship side are in hot pursuit of his signature.
Portsmouth want to sign Liam Cooper amid unrest at Leeds United
Pompey News has learnt from a source close to the player that, while Cooper is undecided about his next destination, he definitely won’t be playing for the Whites as unrest unravels at Elland Road.
Mousinho’s team could take advantage of this, striking a deal with the veteran defender, who has reportedly been offered a verbal bid, one that would see him earn a wage below that expected in League One [Graham Smyth].
Pompey earned promotion to the Championship as League One winners last season, finishing five points clear of Derby County in second, and will be hoping to survive the drop back down.
While Mousinho has several centre-back options at Fratton Park, injuries have left Regan Poole and Tom McIntyre sidelined, so Cooper’s leadership could be key for the team this season.
Pompey opened the Championship season with a 3-3 draw with Cooper’s former side, Leeds, before a 0-0 stalemate with Luton Town, having been knocked out of the EFL Cup by Millwall.
Having not been in England’s second tier since the 2011/12 campaign, safety will be the number one priority for Mousinho and his team this season.
Portsmouth have just 10 days remaining until the summer transfer window closes on 30 August, though Cooper’s free-agent status means there is no pressure on a deal.
In other Portsmouth news, Liverpool are ready to sell a player to the club.
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