Steve Cooper has rejected an offer from Burnley, aiming for a Premier League job instead, according to reports. The 44-year-old has been jobless since being sacked by Nottingham Forest in December. Burnley, in search of a new manager with Vincent Kompany poised to join Bayern Munich, approached Cooper. However, The Athletic reports that Cooper declined the recently relegated club as he seeks a Premier League return.
Cooper has held discussions with clubs about current and potential vacancies. He is reportedly a candidate for the Leicester job, with the Foxes’ promotion-winning boss Enzo Maresca potentially heading to Chelsea to replace Mauricio Pochettino. Brighton also remains without a manager following Roberto De Zerbi’s departure.Cooper gained recognition after winning the Under-17s World Cup with England.
He then managed Swansea, leading them to two play-off promotions. Cooper joined Forest in 2021, transforming the struggling Championship team and securing Premier League promotion. He helped Forest avoid relegation in their first season back but was replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo amid another relegation battle. Following Cooper’s rejection, Burnley has been linked with Scott Parker and Frank Lampard.
Burnley performance and stats
Burnley is currently 19th in the Premier League with 24 points.
In the last 38 games, it has won 5 times, drawn 9 times, and lost 24 times. In its last match, Burnley lost 1-2 against Nottingham Forest.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 40 goals and conceding 76.
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