Cooper Options

DESPITE speculation regarding the future of Argyle loanee George Cooper, manager Ryan Lowe is keen to take his time before deciding on the future of the talented playmaker.

Cooper, 23, joined the Pilgrims from Sky Bet League One Peterborough United on a season-long loan, with a clause which allows Argyle to buy Cooper from January onwards. Lowe, though, feels he is unlikely to activate that trigger in the January transfer window – but did not rule out a move in the summer.

“The relationship I have with George, I brought him in and he did fantastic for four games, got a little bit fatigued so dropped out for a bit, and now he’s back performing at the level we know he can do,” said Lowe.

Speculation was renewed by Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony on Twitter earlier in the week, with the club’s owner stating that the Greens’ option to buy expired on January 17.

“I haven’t had that conversation with my owner [Simon Hallett] to see if I’ve got money to spend,” said Lowe. “I’ll have to have a look at the contract – I know there’s an option to buy, but I don’t think it’s January 17, I think it’s the end of the season.”

As far as the Argyle manager is concerned, any decision on Cooper’s future will need to be taken in conjunction with George himself – although he has no doubt that ‘Coops’ would be interested in making a permanent Home Park move.

“That will be a decision we make at the end of the season,” said Ryan. “We have to give George that decision at the end of the season, too. At the moment, he’s a League One player, and has the potential to play higher – so it’s where he wants to find his new home.

“I think he would love to stay here, he’s already expressed that, but it’s how much they [Peterborough United] want for him, also. We haven’t got millions of pounds to spend. If they do a deal where we can sign at the end of the season, we’d be open to that.”