Derby County are keen on appointing Steve Cooper as their new manager, though the 40-year-old's compensation fee could be a stumbling block.

The Rams are still on the lookout for a new manager following the departure of Phillip Cocu a fortnight ago, with Cooper now emerging as a target for the club.

According to The Sun (22nd November, page 61), Derby have Swansea City boss Steve Cooper in their sights as they look to make an appointment sooner rather than later.

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It is claimed, though, that Swansea will demand a hefty seven-figure compensation fee for their manager, after an impressive tenure thus far.

Cooper guided Swansea to a top-six finish last season in what was his first year in charge, and they have got off to a flying start this season, too.

Here, we take a look at two pros and two cons to Derby appointing Cooper...

Pro: His work with young players

Soccer Football - Championship - Wycombe Wanderers v Swansea City - Adams Park, High Wycombe, Britain - September 26, 2020. Swansea City manager Steve Cooper hugs Swansea City's Morgan Gibbs-White after he is substituted. Action Images/Andrew Boyers EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications.

Cooper is a young manager himself, and he is a coach who knows how to get the best of young players.

Before his appointment at the Liberty Stadium, he guided England's Under-17 side to a World Cup final, where they defeated Spain by five goals to two.

During his time at Swansea, he has also seen the likes of Joe Rodon, Freddie Woodman, Marc Guehi and Ben Cabango thrive under his management.

Derby also have a very impressive academy set-up, and the likes of Louie Sibley, Lee Buchanan, Max Bird and Jason Knight have all became key players for the club.

His work with young players in the past should encourage Derby fans.

Con: The fee involved

Derby have already forked out a hefty sum to get rid of Cocu and his coaching staff, so can they afford to bring in Cooper?

It would take a seven-figure fee to lure Cooper away from Swansea, according to The Sun, which is a large amount.

This could be a lot for Derby, especially if Cooper was to look to strengthen his new-look squad in January.

Pro: The potential

Cooper has took to life in management like a duck to water, it seems.

He guided Swansea to a play-off finish last term in his first season in charge, and they look well on course to do this season, too.

He's only 40 years of age and is hungry to make a name for himself in management, and he would be a great option for the long-term.

Con: Lack of experience

Derby are in dire straits at the moment. They have only won one game this season, and sit bottom of the Championship, three points adrift of safety.

Cooper has never been in this situation as a manager before, so in that respect, it would be a bit of a risk to appoint him.

Derby need to pick up results as soon as possible, but the Championship is a cruel mistress and there are plenty of games coming up.

A manager like Paul Cook could be a better option for them.