West Ham make 'final checks' on £15m signing after player's mistake vs Man Utd

West Ham turned to Graham Potter last season to replace Julen Lopetegui. The ex-Swansea City and Brighton and Hove Albion man took a bit of time out of the game after his sacking by Chelsea before moving to the London Stadium. However, he has since struggled for results with the Hammers.

Potter will be hoping to start the new campaign well to prove he is the man to lead the London club forward. He has the chance to bring in some new faces this summer. They also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well if needed.

West Ham eye Michael Cooper

According to reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon page, West Ham will make ‘final checks’ on Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper ahead of a potential swoop. The Blades apparently want £15million for his signature. The Hammers could see him as someone to boost their goalkeeping department.

Cooper, 25, has been a key player for his current team since his move last year. He has made the number one spot his own at Bramall Lane. However, Ruben Selles’ side could face a battle to keep hold of him down the line amid attention from elsewhere.

The stopper rose up through the academy at Plymouth Argyle and was a regular for them at various different youth levels. He went on to make 170 appearances for the Pilgrims in all competitions before heading to South Yorkshire around 12 months ago. The Exeter-born man will want to test himself at the top level down the line.

West Ham goalkeeping situation

West Ham’s Alphonse Areola gave away a penalty against Manchester United last time out in their friendly and needs more competition for his position. The Hammers only have two senior ‘keepers now following Lukasz Fabianski’s exit. Wes Foderingham mainly provides back-up.

Cooper could be ideal if they managed to snap him up. He has proved his worth in the second tier and is a dependable option for Sheffield United. However, he lacks experience in the Premier League so patience would be required initially.

After joining the Blades, he said at the time: "It feels brilliant that we've got the move over the line and I'm excited to get started. The manager couldn't speak highly enough of the club, the fanbase, the ambition, the squad - it was all very attractive for me to make a decision to come here. This is a huge opportunity in front of me, I have had a lot of great memories at Argyle but when an opportunity like Shefield United presents itself, it is almost impossible to say no."

Meanwhile, their ex-manager Chris Wilder said: "Michael has been one of our major targets, which is why we have persevered on this deal and he was very keen to join. He's young at 24, but with over 150 games behind him, so there's experience there too. He's a winner, as proven by the role he played in getting Plymouth into this division, and he now has Championship experience behind him too.

"I want to extend my thanks to those above who have funded and sanctioned this deal. I know the window is still open, but I think everyone can see now that our patience has paid off with the quality of the individuals we have brought to the football club.”