Brian Deane tells Leeds United to sell ‘frustrated’ player if they are promoted this season

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For many Leeds United players, staying at Elland Road will depend on the club getting promoted come the end of the campaign. But for Liam Cooper, it’s different – and Brian Deane has had his say.

Cooper, now 32, is in the final few months of his contract at Leeds. This summer will see the skipper complete a decade at Elland Road, joining Leeds from Chesterfield in 2014 – since playing 282 matches.

Phil Hay expects Cooper to leave Leeds in the summer, given his contract situation and that he is far from first choice in defence. In January, both Blackburn and Stoke were interested in the Scotland man.

The easy decision would be to hand Cooper another 12 months, if he is willing to sit on the bench and provide cover – given how effective he is off the pitch as a leader, one his teammates look up to.

But in terms of his effect on the pitch, he is not good enough for Leeds anymore. Elland Road icon Deane told Football League World that if Leeds do gain promotion, then we have to let Cooper leave.

“If they go up, they should realistically let him go and get a good contract somewhere else, as they’re going have to refresh in that position. If they keep him, he’s not going to get game time. I know from my own experiences that you can sit and be frustrated when you think you want to stay. Time moves on.

“He’s been a great servant to the club, but I’m sure they’ll come to the right agreement. If they keep him, it’s because they think he will be a great leader for next season, but sometimes as a player you have to start thinking about these things. You need to be playing all the time,” Deane said, discussing Cooper.

Brian Deane urges Leeds to let Liam Cooper leave if promoted

He isn’t good enough to start for Leeds anymore. While it will be incredibly sad to see such a crucial player for Leeds go over the last few years – promotion, the Marcelo Bielsa years – it is the right time.

Cooper will not be alone. Luke Ayling is out of contract in the summer and will go, Stuart Dallas may also follow too – given there are only 10 games left to play and a chance of a return in those seems unlikely.

Ian Poveda, Cody Drameh, Sam Byram, Jamie Shackleton and other players will also see their deals end in June and Farke will have to make a number of decisions come the summer in regards to those men.