Rapids' Cooke may be headed back to England

Colorado Rapids midfielder Terry Cooke is receiving interest from teams in the English Championship, a source tells Goal.com.

After the Rapids played Everton in a friendly last month, Cooke's name has been been bandied about by teams in England's second tier thanks in large part to the positive reviews given by Everton manager David Moyes of the 32-year-old Englishman's performance.

Preston North End, Derby County and Cardiff City are the three teams believed to have the strongest interest in the former Manchester United man.

"His strong game against Everton has ignited interest in him," the source says. "David Moyes spoke to several teams about him and has encouraged them all to go for him."

Raised through the Youth Program at Manchester United, Cooke helped the Red Devils win the Youth FA Cup in 1995, but wasn't able to crack the first team for more than a handful of appearances. Following his departure from Old Trafford, Cooke was a journeyman of sorts in English football, making fewer than 30 appearances for eight different clubs before finally settling in with the Rapids in 2005.

It remains to be seen whether the Rapids would sell Cooke as he is one of their more consistent performers and leads the team in assists. The club is currently tied for 4th place in the West and this week saw a coaching change.

If the club, which has plenty of talent, is to have any chance of making the playoffs, recently named interim head coach, Englishman Gary Smith, will want to keep his countryman around, at least until the end of the MLS season, which could line Cooke up for a January transfer.

-- Goal.com