Why Dwight McNeil could play a key role in helping Everton to sign Sheffield United star Michael Cooper
Everton Active in Summer Transfer Market as Moyes Eyes Key Additions – Including Douglas Luiz, Jack Grealish, and Michael Cooper
Everton are set for a busy summer as they explore a range of transfer targets aimed at strengthening key areas of the squad under David Moyes’ renewed leadership. The club is working hard behind the scenes to bring in both experienced and emerging talents as they seek to improve on last season’s campaign.
Among the high-profile names on Moyes’ radar is Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is currently on the books at Italian giants Juventus. The Serie A club reportedly value the 26-year-old at approximately £34 million, a fee that would represent a significant investment from the Toffees. Luiz, known for his ability to control the tempo of games and contribute both defensively and offensively, would be a major addition to Everton’s midfield if a deal can be struck.
Meanwhile, Moyes is also said to be monitoring Jack Grealish, whose future at Manchester City has been the subject of speculation. Despite being a regular in recent seasons under Pep Guardiola, the England international could be tempted by a fresh start if the circumstances are right. However, any attempt to lure Grealish to Goodison Park would require a massive financial outlay, both in terms of transfer fee and wages. It’s a bold move that would test the limits of Everton’s budget.
Goalkeeper Search Underway Following Key Departures
In addition to reinforcing the midfield and attacking areas, Everton are also prioritizing a move for a new goalkeeper following the recent exits of Joao Virginia and veteran Asmir Begovic. With only Jordan Pickford remaining as the club’s senior shot-stopper, Moyes is eager to bring in a reliable backup who could potentially develop into a long-term successor.
That search has led the club to Michael Cooper, the 25-year-old goalkeeper who impressed with Sheffield United during the previous Championship season. Cooper, who joined the Blades from Plymouth Argyle last year, quickly established himself as one of the league’s standout keepers, with only Burnley’s James Trafford arguably having a better campaign statistically.
Sources suggest that Everton are preparing an offer in the region of £5 million plus performance-based add-ons to convince Sheffield United to part ways with their highly-rated goalkeeper. However, early indications are that the Blades may reject the opening bid, with the expectation that Everton will need to return with a more attractive package.
The McNeil Factor: A Key Link in Negotiations
An interesting twist in the Cooper pursuit involves Dwight McNeil, who could unexpectedly play a pivotal role in making the deal happen. Both McNeil and Cooper are represented by Unique Sports Group, the same agency that also manages Irish defender Jake O’Brien. Given the shared representation, McNeil could act as an internal liaison to help Everton’s management navigate personal terms and negotiations with Cooper’s camp.
Having an established relationship with Cooper’s agent might smoothen the process and help the Toffees gain an edge in what could become a competitive race for the goalkeeper’s signature.
Cooper Eyes Playing Time – A Future No.1?
One potential stumbling block in Cooper’s move to Everton could be the lack of guaranteed game time. The goalkeeper is believed to be keen on maintaining regular first-team action, something that would be difficult to promise immediately at Everton due to the continued presence of Jordan Pickford as the undisputed first-choice.
Pickford, now 31, is still in his prime years and is expected to retain the starting role for at least another season or two. However, Moyes may attempt to pitch a long-term vision to Cooper—emphasizing the opportunity to learn from England’s number one while playing in domestic cup competitions, and eventually taking over as the full-time starter when the time comes.
It’s a strategic approach that could appeal to a player like Cooper, who may be willing to bide his time at a Premier League club if it means becoming the next number one in due course.
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Conclusion
With targets like Douglas Luiz, Jack Grealish, and Michael Cooper on the agenda, Everton’s summer business could be one of their most ambitious in recent memory. While financial considerations will certainly shape what’s possible, David Moyes appears determined to add both star quality and long-term depth to his squad as the Toffees look to climb the Premier League table next season.
The success of these deals may hinge not just on transfer fees, but also on smart negotiations, strategic planning, and even internal relationships—such as McNeil’s with Cooper’s representatives. If all goes to plan, this could be a transformative window for the blue half of Merseyside.