Leeds United defender Liam Cooper in talks with Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United over free transfer

According to the latest reports, Liam Cooper is edging towards a move away from Leeds United as he seeks an agreement with Blackburn Rovers or Sheffield United over a free transfer.

Sheffield United are interested in Leeds United’s club captain after already securing the services of Jamie Shackelton earlier in the window.

The writing was on the wall earlier this month when, despite being offered a one-year contract extension by the club, Cooper became a free agent on July 1.

Rovers, who may still face competition, are in the market to add experience to their youthful group of defenders.

The Elland Road stalwart spent 10 years at the club, outlasting 14 managers, captaining the side to a Championship title and playing Premier League football under Marcelo Bielsa.

Alongside teammates Pontus Jansson and Pablo Hernandez, Coops was named in the 2018/19 PFA Championship team of the season, as the Whites fell to Derby County in the play-offs.

Despite the interruption caused by Covid-19, he retained his place in the PFA team of the season as Leeds marched back to the top flight of English football.

Though the Scottish international has played an increasingly peripheral role in recent seasons, those connected with the club will be quick to acknowledge his influence.

A natural-born leader on and off the pitch, the centre-back, who cost £600,000 from Shrewsbury Town in 2014, was one of four remaining players from El Loco's league winners.

Waving goodbye to Cooper will feel like a final goodbye to a memorable era, one where he starred alongside Luke Ayling, Gaetano Berardi, Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich, Stuart Dallas and Hernandez.