WEST HAM have put Sheffield United keeper Michael Cooper on their hit list.
Hammers will make final checks on the 25-year-old before the transfer window shuts.
GettyMichael Cooper is a target for West Ham[/caption]
GettyCooper could challenge Alphonse Areola for the starting spot[/caption]
The Blades would want about £15million for Cooper, who they got from Plymouth for an initial £2m in 2024
Former West Ham boss David Moyes has already tried to land the stopper, but Sheffield United rejected the approach from Everton.
Last season in the Championship, Cooper impressed as the Blades challenged for promotion to the Premier League.
The Yorkshire side missed out on a return to the top-flight after losing in the playoff final to Sunderland.
Cooper kept 21 clean sheets in 43 appearances for the Blades and achieved a save percentage of 76.9 per cent.
The Hammers, however, struggled in the Premier League and rotated between Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski.
The veteran Polish goalkeeper has left the London Stadium after his contract expired.
Areola remained, but there are doubts over his abilities after multiple errors last season.
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
The Frenchman was at fault again in the Hammers’ 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in their Premier League Summer Series clash last night.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid ace gave away the penalty that allowed Bruno Fernandes to put the Red Devils ahead.
West Ham only have veteran and former Sheffield United stopper Wes Foderingham as their other option between the sticks.
The 34-year-old made the switch to East London last summer on a two-year deal after he was released by the Blades.
Blades boss Ruben Selles has insisted that Cooper is going nowhere this summer.
The manager made the claim after the former Pilgrim missed the 2-1 pre-season win over Burton Albion on Tuesday.
GettyRuben Selles is convinced Cooper will stay at Bramall Lane[/caption]
He said: “The last game was a decision from me to give the other goalkeepers some minutes.
“He felt a bit of discomfort in the knee, but he should be back in a couple of days.
“He’s definitely staying, it’s not about that.
“I understand the concerns because he wasn’t there, but it has nothing to do with that.”
The Hammers have already added Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf to their squad this summer.
Callum Wilson is also closing in on a move to the London Stadium following his release from Newcastle.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE – KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
