Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney says goalkeeper Michael Cooper has wanted to leave since he took over.
Cooper, 24, is in talks with Sheffield United over a move reportedly worth around £2m.
The former academy player, who has made more than 150 appearances for the Pilgrims, turned down a new deal this summer and is out of contract next June.
“I spoke to Michael the day after I got announced for this role and from that moment he wanted to leave,” Rooney told BBC Radio Devon.
“The offer, once we received it, wasn’t enough, but I think it gets to a point where the player wants to leave.
“I don’t think it was for financial reasons, I think from my conversations with him he wanted a different challenge and he’d been here a long time.
“I’m disappointed because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper, we made him a great offer to stay, but ultimately with a year left on his contract I think the club have to do what’s in our interest and he moves on.”