“Nothing has changed, They are two very important Argyle players and I’m very confident that will remain for the rest of this season, I’m hoping for one or two more signings”- Wayne Rooney gives update on future of Michael Cooper and Morgan Whittaker as he says club are looking at one or two more signings this week

Cooper and Whittaker have been at the centre of transfer speculation during pre-season but both played as substitutes in the Pilgrims’ 2-0 pre-season win at Torquay United.

Wayne Rooney has repeated 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 that is likely to continue until the summer transfer window closes on Friday, August 30. Both were among 10 players who were introduced as 60th minute substitutes in the Pilgrims’ 2-0 victory over Torquay United at Plainmoor.

There was a first for 24-year-old Cooper as he pulled on the captain’s armband when midfielder Adam Forshaw was one of those taken off.

Rooney was asked by Plymouth Live if there had been any bids or interest in Cooper or Whittaker and he replied: “I haven’t had anything since I spoke to you last Saturday (after the 5-1 win at Cheltenham Town).

“They are two very important players. I think that was the first time Coops has worn the armband as well. I didn’t know that, he has just told me after the game.

“Nothing has changed. They are Argyle players and I’m very confident that will remain for the rest of this season,” added the Pilgrims’ head coach.

Rooney has brought in five summer signings so far – Nathanael Ogbeta, Darko Gyabi, Muhamed Tijani, Ibrahim Cissoko and, most recently Iceland international defender, Victor Palsson – and is hoping there could be up to a couple more to come.

He said: “There is potentially something next week. We are trying. We are always looking, we are always trying to improve the squad.

“On players going out, there is nothing at the minute. We know we need to get the squad down, so whether that’s players going out on loan or players going out on permanent deals, it’s something we need to talk about with the club.

“I’m really pleased where the squad is at the minute, and if we can do more (signings) we will. I’m hoping one or two more maybe.”