Steve Cooper wanted by Premier League clubs amid ‘exciting’ Nottingham Forest claim – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Steve Cooper will be the subject of Premier League interest regardless of how Nottingham Forest fare in the 2022-23 campaign.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 42-year-old for implementing an “exciting” philosophy at the City Ground.
Cooper led Nottingham Forest to 22 wins from a possible 38 after succeeding Chris Hughton in September 2021, earning promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
The two-time European Cup winners were languishing in 23rd place when the former Swansea manager took the position.
As per The Telegraph (30 May), Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has revealed Cooper will be offered a new contract – and has been promised “ammunition” in the transfer market.
When asked if Cooper is on the radar of top-flight clubs no matter what Forest achieve in the 2022-23 season, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Oh, yeah.
“He was one of the best managers in the Championship – that’s for sure.
“He’s very educated in the game, sets his sides up so well – and since he came in last year, Forest have had such a consistent, clear identity and way of playing.
“They’re exciting going forward too, and that is traditionally what Nottingham Forest are all about.
“He understands the club. He’ll be licking his lips at the prospect of testing himself against the best in the world. So will the players.”
Cooper’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2023-24 season.
The Pontypridd-born coach led England to glory at the 2017 Under-17 World Cup.
In other news, expert claims Nottingham Forest could submit Harry Winks bid after £20m Tottenham reveal.