Argyle turn down bids for key duo

Speaking ahead of his side’s Sky Bet Championship opener at Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, Rooney admitted submissions made by clubs for both players had fallen ‘very far away’ from Argyle’s own valuations on the in-demand duo.

Goalkeeper Cooper – who recently rejected a new deal with the Pilgrims – has been the subject of interest from league rivals Sheffield United, whilst forward Whittaker has been linked with Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.

Rooney has made no secret of the fact that he is keen to keep hold of both players moving forward, but in Cooper’s case his decision not to tie down his future to the Greens means he will become a free agent next summer.

“Obviously, sometimes things get taken your of your hands as a manager and the club have to do what’s right for them,” said Rooney. “Michael, though, is a fantastic young goalkeeper who has got a lot of improvement in him as well.”

Both Cooper and Whittaker have featured prominently during Argyle’s build-up to the new season and Rooney acknowledged they will be part of the squad that travels to Hillsborough this weekend.

“Again, when you look at what Morgan did last season and you see the money other teams are paying for someone who did half what he did, I think it’s a real insult the bid we had for Morgan.

“As I said, Morgan is really happy here. I’ve seen no indications that he wants to leave the football club. Michael Cooper is here, but I can’t be as enthusiastic as I am on Morgan. Michael is here, he’s training well and he’s ready to play on Sunday. That’s where we are with the two of them.”

Rooney would not divulge which clubs had made bids for his players, adding: “I don’t think it’s down to me to confirm which clubs have done what. You have to show those clubs a bit more respect. I’ve no doubt big clubs will come in for Morgan, but for us to move forward players like Morgan Whittaker – who have a big contract behind them – we have to keep those players.”

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