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Swansea set to appoint England Under-17 boss Steve Cooper as new manager

Cooper led the Young Lions to Under-17 World Cup success in 2017, with a team featuring the likes of Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi

Steve Cooper is close to agreeing a deal with Swansea to become their new manager.

The England Under-17s boss, who guided them to World Cup success in 2017, is poised to succeed Graham Potter at the Liberty Stadium following his decision to take the Brighton job.

 Steve Cooper will reportedly take charge of Swansea
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Steve Cooper will reportedly take charge of SwanseaCredit: getty
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Potter was with Swansea for just a single season and had two years remaining on his contract, but opted to manage in the top flight, signing a four-year deal with the Seagulls.

There were several names in the running for the hotseat at the Liberty Stadium, including Cameron Toshack, Gus Poyet and Michael Appleton, but Swans chairman chairman Trevor Birch has made his choice.

Cooper, 39, began working in the academy set-up at Wrexham back in 2005, having gained his UEFA Pro Licence at the age of just 27.

He would leave his former club in 2008 and head to Liverpool to become academy manager, and he worked with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold who have gone on to enjoy huge success.

 Cooper was in charge of an England Under-17 team featuring both Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who are now senior internationals
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Cooper was in charge of an England Under-17 team featuring both Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who are now senior internationalsCredit: getty

In 2014 Cooper was appointed manager of the England Under-16s, and a year later he stepped up an age level to the Under-17s.

Having guided the Young Lions to the 2017 European Championship final, where they were beaten by Spain, Cooper went one better at the World Cup later that year by beating La Roja 5-2 in the final.

Swansea are said to be impressed with the way in which he helped to develop players such as Jadon Sancho, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Phil Foden during his time in charge of England's underage team.

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