The 22-year-old has failed to make an impact under David O’Leary after breaking into the side at the end of Graham Taylor’s tenure. Cooke made three league appearances in 2002/03 after making his Premiership debut as a substitute in the 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers on New Years day 2003.
The game was the latest in a stop-start career for Cooke, who made his first Villa bow as a 17-year-old in the 2-1 UEFA Intertoto Cup defeat by Celta Vigo. He joined Bournemouth on loan in March 2002 and his successful spell lead to manager Sean O’Driscoll calling him an “extreme talent”. Only fans of Villa’s reserves can verify his praise as he has made little impact since and has now been released.
Bournemouth and Wycombe Wanderers – with whom he also enjoyed a spell with in December – are favourites for his signature.