Peterborough United sealed a deal for Cooper on Thursday, despite alleged interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton.
George Cooper was ‘being trailed’ by Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton before his transfer to Peterborough United on Thursday, according to the Sun [19th January Goals pullout, page six].
The report claims Peterborough paid £750,000 for the former Crewe Alexandra winger, although Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony would only confirm that the deal has taken his side’s overall January expenditure over the £500,000 mark.
Cooper scored or created 16 goals in 34 games for Crewe this season, and given the alleged interest from Tottenham and Southampton that six-figure fee could prove a shrewd investment by Peterborough, who have gained a reputation for buying low and selling big in recent years.
Having never before played above the third tier, it is unlikely that the 21-year-old would have made an instant impact at either of Tottenham or Southampton, whereas a move to Peterborough could help him to bridge the gap to the Premier League.
George Boyd, Russell Martin, Lee Tomlin and Dwight Gayle are among those to have appeared in England’s top flight after being spotted by Posh.
Given the alleged interest from Spurs and Southampton, how big a coup is Cooper’s signing for Peterborough?