Key Millwall man subject of Rangers transfer interest, recent contact made

Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper is the subject of growing interest from Scottish Premiership side Rangers, as per Football Insider.

Millwall have had towering defender Cooper on the books since January 2017. They signed him from Reading on an initial loan deal before bringing him in permanently the following summer and ever since, he’s been a mainstay at The Den.

The 28-year-old has played 302 times for the Lions, chipping in with 22 goals and 17 assists along the way.

However, his current contract expires at the end of next season and now, interest in his services has emerged.

Football Insider claims that Scottish Premiership side Rangers are eyeing up a move for Cooper. Their interest has grown in recent days after making contact with Millwall but time will tell if their admiration of the centre-back is firmed up by a bid before the window’s end.

The transfer window slams shut on September 1st, so there is still plenty of time for clubs to strike deals.

With contact said to have been made by Rangers, time will tell whether or not they look to make a bid for Cooper’s services. His contract situation means this could be one to watch though if the Scottish side are keen on adding him to their ranks.

Cooper is obviously a mainstay in Gary Rowett’s side but with his deal up next summer, this could be their last chance to cash in before losing him on a pre-contract deal in January or a free transfer in a year’s time.

If a move was to come to fruition, Millwall have ample time to find a replacement but time will tell what the Lions and Cooper’s stance is on a potential move to Ibrox.

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With the EFL season having kicked off last weekend, and the days until the transfer deadline slowly ticking down, transfer rumours are rife across the Championship, League One and League Two.

With that said, one of the latest rumours in the EFL revolves around Millwall defender Jake Cooper, who has been linked with Scottish giants Rangers.

Indeed, according to Football Insider, Rangers have held a long-term interest in the central defender, with their interest intensifying in recent days.

Their report claims that contact has been made over a potential deal, with Rangers boss Michael Beale seeing Cooper as a perfect addition to his defensive options.

Interestingly, Cooper has just one-year remaining on his current Millwall contract, meaning he is set to be available on a free transfer next summer.

With all of the above in mind, it begs the question, would Jake Cooper be a good signing for Rangers?

Below, some of our FLW writers have discussed that question, and whether or not Millwall should be willing to do a deal this summer.

If Rangers were able to pull this off, it would be a strong signing indeed.

Jake Cooper has proven himself a very capable central defender in the Championship in recent seasons, and at 28-years-old, is arguably in his peak years.

Despite the Championship throwing up a gruelling campaign, the central defender is always fit, which is impressive for a player that isn’t afraid of a physical battle.

Last season, for example, he featured in every single one of Millwall’s Championship matches, and the past six seasons, the fewest Championship games he played was 38.

Cooper leaving would harm their chances of competing for a top six spot this season and even though they could lose him for free next summer, they should be willing to take that risk.

The contract situation is a concern, but the reality is that Rangers don’t spend massive amounts on players, so they’re only likely to offer a few million. Is that really worth it for Millwall? I don’t think so.

In my opinion, if Cooper leaves the Lions then they won’t make the top six. The defensive solidity is key to Millwall’s success, and he is central to that. So, they should keep him at The Den, and the 28-year-old will be hugely influential as they look to push for the play-offs.

Of course, if a truly ridiculous offer does arrive, they may cash in, but Millwall need to make sure it’s only for silly money, as it will be very hard to replace Cooper.