Sheffield Wednesday are close to signing Liam Cooper, a former Leeds United defender, on a new contract after his initial deal expired. The Owls spent the majority of last season in administration, and their relegation to League One was confirmed in February, largely thanks to the fact that they were deducted 18 points by the EFL for former owner Dejphon Chansiri's wrongdoings. Optimism has returned to Hillsborough Stadium in recent weeks, though, thanks to the takeover completed by David Storch's Arise Capital Partners consortium. Storch is keen to help Wednesday return to the Championship at the first time of asking, and achieving that feat requires successful recruitment this summer. Liam Cooper, who joined the club on a free transfer in November 2025, made 14 Championship appearances for the S6 side last season, and scored in their 3-1 defeat against eventual promotion winners Ipswich Town last December. Cooper's most recent Wednesday outing came in February, when his side suffered a 2-1 defeat to cross-city rivals Sheffield United, which confirmed their relegation to League One. The former Leeds man sustained a season-ending groin injury in that Steel City Derby loss and will hope to remain fit for the whole of next campaign. As revealed by the Wednesday Word's Joe Crann, it is increasingly likely that Cooper will stay with the Owls for next season, and good progress towards a new contract has been made. Cooper can be a real asset for Wednesday in League One, especially if he avoids further injuries. The 19-cap Scotland international endured a tough season with the Owls last term, courtesy of their off-field hardship and his own injury struggles. However, having featured in the Championship last campaign, Cooper should still have a lot to offer in League One. Cooper previously made over 280 appearances for Leeds, helping the Whites win the second-tier title in 2020 before subsequently featuring for them in the Premier League. Furthermore, the 34-year-old's time in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia will have made him a more cultured footballer, which should help the Owls in their quest to enjoy a successful League One campaign.