Daniel Farke has admitted Leeds United are planning without Liam Cooper with the free agent in talks with Blackburn Rovers.

The 32-year-old has a contract offer on the table from the Whites, a one-year extension but with the understanding he won't be a first-choice pick.

It's understood that Cooper is keen to play and, therefore, he is considering his options, including a move to Ewood Park.

Rovers have been in talks with the defender for the past few weeks, with the two parties yet to reach an agreement. 

READ MORE: ROVERS' FIVE TRANSFER PRIORITIES TO FULFIL EUSTACE'S WISH

Leeds have not formally announced Cooper's exit but the players is now a free agent with his contract expiring on Jun 30. Farke has not ruled out a return but, equally, admitted they are planning without him.

“No, so we have spoken about this," Farke said after their pre-season friendly against Harrogate Town.

"It's more or less that the players who are here are the players that we work with.

"I have said so much about Liam and praised him so much so I think no more words needed. But right now we concentrate on the players who are around."

Leeds have signed Joe Rodon permanently, with Pascal Struijk close to fitness again and Max Wober returning from loan. Ethan Ampadu can also play centre-back and did so for much of last season.

Cooper has agreed to take a pay cut to join Rovers, with a lower basic salary and a higher appearance fee. That would mitigate the risk to Rovers, who are wary of handing out large contracts to players in the autumn of their career.

Daniel Ayala's three-year deal on sizeable money has made Rovers' board cautious. For any deal to go through, there will need to be a compromise on the numbers involved. A one-year deal with a second triggered by appearances is thought to be acceptable.