Liam Cooper 'reaches agreement' for European move as familiar Leeds United transfer stumbling block resurfaces — YEP 6/9/24
By Kyle Newbould
Leeds United’s international stars have all flown away to
their respective countries with the September international break now well
underway. A large chunk of Daniel Farke’s squad have earned call-ups and
supporters will have a keen eye on the likes of Wales, Japan, Austria and the
USA. Meanwhile, those without international responsibilities might be afforded
a brief early break before returning to work ahead of next week’s meeting with
Burnley.
Leeds will go into that huge early game with confidence and
momentum, having won consecutive games to nil against Sheffield Wednesday and
Hull City. Farke’s men sit fourth going into the break and will hope to
continue climbing during what looks to be a testing autumn. Ahead of what looks
to be a quieter weekend in West Yorkshire, the YEP has rounded up some of the
latest stories surrounding the club.
Cooper move close
Liam Cooper is thought to be closing in on a surprise move
to Bulgaria with reports of an agreement with CSKA Sofia. Journalist Metodi
Shumanov relays claims from the Bulgarian Telegraph that an agreement has been
reached for the free agent, who will fly over to undergo medical tests before
completing his move.
Cooper left Leeds after almost 10 years upon the expiration
of his contract earlier this summer, having struggled for any kind of regular
football under Daniel Farke. The Scotland international started just eight
Championship games last season and was behind Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu
in the pecking order, with Max Wober’s return from Borussia Monchengladbach
further restricting future minutes.
Leeds confirmed they had been in talks with Cooper but
provided only a suggestion of what they would be willing to consider, which
would have been reflective of game-time. Talks with Blackburn Rovers and, more
recently, Hull City failed to progress and the 33-year-old now looks set to
take a huge step out of his comfort zone in Bulgaria.
Jebbison loan issue
Leeds were interested in taking Daniel Jebbison on loan from
Bournemouth during the summer but missed out due to their inability to
guarantee minutes, according to journalist Graeme Bailey. Farke has made clear
he is unwilling to make such promises to new arrivals, preferring they earn
their spot to maintain competition with the current crop. It remains to be seen
how keen Leeds were, with priorities elsewhere during the window’s final days.
“Daniel Jebbison, Leeds were still in for him towards the
end,” Bailey told LeedsUnited.News. “I think if he’d been guaranteed more game
time, Leeds might have got Jebbison. He’s an interesting one now he’s gone to
Watford, let’s see how he does there.