Rumours were circulating the 30-year-old mercurial first five-eighth was being lined-up to replace Lima Sopoaga, who is joining Wasps in England.
But the Highlanders have quashed the rumour with a tweet right out of Donald Trump's playbook, dismissing the story as "#FakeNews".
Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark was emphatic when contacted this morning.
"He is not somebody we have ever considered or would consider," Clark said.
"Nothing has changed for us. We are really happy with the two young guys we have got.
"They will play Mitre 10 Cup and we will obviously sign a third 10 at some stage.
"But we are in no hurry to do that."
The Highlanders have re-signed Josh Ioane and have added Bryn Gatland to the roster but will be on the look out for an experienced playmaker.
Cooper, while he has accumulated plenty of baggage, could also have been an asset.
When in top form, the New Zealand-born player is a dangerous quantity with the ball.
But he was dropped by Reds coach Brad Thorn at the start of the Super Rugby season and has been playing club rugby in Brisbane.
The Highlanders have until the end of October to complete their squad.