Wayne Rooney has reiterated his belief that goalkeeper Michael Cooper and talented attacker Morgan Whittaker will not be leaving Plymouth Argyle any time soon.
Cooper and Whittaker have been at the centre of transfer speculation during pre-season and are likely to remain so until the summer transfer window closes on Friday 30 August. Both were among the 10 players brought on in the 60th minute in the Pilgrims’ 2-0 win over Torquay United at Plainmoor.
It was a first for 24-year-old Cooper as he donned the captain’s armband, while midfielder Adam Forshaw was one of those substituted.
Read more: Buy our Argyle 2024/25 Kick Off Special in our online shop
Read more: Argyle talent Freddie Issaka receives praise from Wayne Rooney
When asked by Plymouth Live if there had been any offers or interest in Cooper or Whittaker, Rooney replied: “I have not heard anything since my conversation last Saturday (after the 5-1 win at Cheltenham Town).”
“They are two very important players. I think today was also the first time that Coops wore the captain’s armband. I didn’t know that, he only told me after the game.”
“Nothing has changed. They are Argyle players and I am very confident that will remain the case for the rest of the season,” added the Pilgrims head coach.
Rooney has brought in five new signings so far this summer – Nathanael Ogbeta, Darko Gyabi, Muhamed Tijani, Ibrahim Cissoko and most recently Icelandic international defender Victor Palsson – and is hoping for a few more to come.
He said: “Next week something might be possible. We are doing our best. We are always looking and always trying to improve the squad.”
“On the question of players leaving, there is nothing at the moment. We know we have to reduce the squad. Whether that is players who are loaned out or players who are under permanent contract is something we have to talk about with the club.
“I’m really happy with where the team is at the moment and if we can sign more players we will. I hope maybe one or two more.”
You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live HERE.
