Leeds United’s official Twitter account has confirmed that the club have had a second bid turned down for Chesterfield’s Liam Cooper, and as such, have pulled out of a move for him, ending any interest in signing him in the future.
The club can confirm that it has had a second bid for Chesterfield defender Liam Cooper rejected #lufc (1/2)
— Leeds United FC (@LUFC) July 30, 2014
The club will not be progressing with this matter further and any interest in the player has now ended #lufc (2/2)
— Leeds United FC (@LUFC) July 30, 2014
Cooper reportedly impressed Leeds sporting director Nicola Salerno during Leeds’s 2-2 draw with Chesterfield at the weekend.
Leeds have set about replacing Tom Lees, who looks likely to leave Elland Road to join Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday. The player reportedly agreed a three-year deal with the Sheffield side earlier today, ending a 15 year association with Leeds United.
Little is known about who Leeds might target to replace Lees next, given a deal for Jonathan Rossini, a defender Leeds have targeted in the past, also collapsed.
There have been consistent rumours linking Leeds to both Alex Bruce and Mark Hudson, but neither move has come off as of yet.
Leeds will need to move swiftly, with Scott Wootton and Jason Pearce the only recognised central defenders at the club.
Cellino has got it right again. Don’t mess Leeds United around