Say Wales Online, dismissing yesterday's rumour from Phil Blanche.

Steve Cooper will not be the next Cardiff City manager despite reports linking him with the vacant post over the weekend, WalesOnline understands.

Cooper was let go by Leicester City somewhat unexpectedly last week, leading many Bluebirds supporters to wonder whether he would be willing to drop down into the depths of the Championship and carry their club forward and out of trouble – just as he did with Nottingham Forest.

Yesterday a report was circulated on social media claiming Cooper would "relish the opportunity" to manage the Bluebirds, but that he held concerns over fan sentiment owing to his connection with Swansea.

We understand it's not the right opportunity for Cooper, whose last two jobs have been in the Premier League with Forest and Leicester City, and the former Foxes boss is likely setting his sights higher up the pyramid with regards to his next post. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

One source pointed out that crossing the divide would likely not be an issue for Cooper — he moved from Leicester City's East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest to the King Power Stadium, after all — and that he has a respect for Cardiff, of whom his father, former Premier League referee Keith, is thought to be a supporter.

But Pontypridd-born Cooper's stock has risen greatly since he was last in the Championship — when he steered Forest to promotion — and it would be no surprise to see his next destination nearer the top end of the second tier, if not another crack at the top flight.

It will likely be a blow for many Cardiff supporters, the vast majority of whom, despite recognising his links to Swansea, appreciate his record of two successive play-off campaigns with the Swans and a promotion out of the division while at the City Ground.