Sheffield Wednesday in talks over restrictions with ex-Leeds United stalwart Liam Cooper still a 'target'
Sheffield Wednesday are in talks with the EFL over their transfer restrictions with ex-Leeds United captain Liam Cooper reportedly still a target.
The 34-year-old has been unattached since July, when he departed Bulgarian outfit CSKA Sofia by mutual agreement.
He was linked with crisis-stricken Wednesday, who were still hoping they would be able to make free transfer signings as off-field turbulence raged over the summer.
They did not manage to make any permanent additions to their squad, only managing to land Ethan Horvath and Harry Amass on loan from Cardiff City and Manchester United respectively.
Wednesday have been slapped by a number of EFL embargoes, meaning the payment of fees for players has been firmly off the table.
However, free transfer signings have also been ruled out. Forecasts provided to the Club Financial Reporting Unit (CFRU) have stopped the EFL permitting free agents to be snapped up by the Owls.
EFL talks
Wednesday are now in talks with the EFL about again being allowed to sign unattached players in light of improved cashflow.
Joint-administrator Kris Wigfield told BBC Sheffield: “There’s a possibility. We are looking to give the manager as much help as we possibly can.
“We’ve had conversations with the EFL and there are some hurdles to get through with FIFA and with the EFL.
“We’re hopeful we can do that and if we could just bring in one or two free agents to help the manager and make the club a little bit more competitive, particularly when we get injuries or he needs to make substitutions, then that would be fantastic.
“No promises at this stage, but we’re hopeful we can get one or two more players in for after the international break.”
Liam Cooper still on the radar
The Star have claimed Cooper has remained a main target and he could be on alert as the Owls seek to give Henrik Pedersen reinforcements.
His experience could prove invaluable for Wednesday, who have a threadbare squad with which to fight for their Championship status.
Pedersen has been forced to utilise unproven academy prospects, although many have performed admirably.
Cooper’s presence could be of enormous benefit to Wednesday’s young players and his CV is an attractive one.
A former Leeds captain, he was part of the Whites squad that clinched the Championship title in 2020. He later represented the Whites in the Premier League and has been capped by Scotland on the international stage.
The former Hull City and Huddersfield Town defender made 284 appearances for Leeds, scoring 11 goals between 2014 and 2024.