Latest reports confirm that Millwall have rejected Rangers FC’s refurbished £3m bid for the Jake Cooper. Neil Harris have openly declared that the 23-year-old is not for sale and the Championship outfit are not willing to entertain any offers from interested parties. This could be a loss for Steven Gerrard as he had considered the versatile defender to be an immediate starter in the left-back spot.
The new Gers boss has made 9 signings already and is nowhere close to stopping just yet. He does not recognize Declan John or Lee Wallace as his primary options at left-back, with the latter’s career at the Ibrox close to being over.
Cooper boasts massive potential and could have become one of Gerrard’s leading figures at the Light Blues backline. At 23, he has 5 caps for England at various youth levels and is a first-team regular for the Championship outfit. He appeared in 46 games last term alone to help the Lions make a run for one of the playoff spots.
He is a versatile presence in defence but has mostly been utilised as a centre-back. Cooper also contributed with 4 goals and 2 assists this past season. The 23-year-old started out with Reading FC, signing his first professional contract in June 2013. He made his Championship debut against Ipswich Town in August 2014 and later went on to make 54 appearances for the Royals senior team.
Adding Cooper could have given Rangers a solid start on their future ambitions, which is to upstage Celtic and the rest of the Scottish Premiership to major honours. However, since Millwall are not going to cave over a transfer, it might be wise for Gerrard to strongly consider alternate options.
Curtis Tilt
According to reports, the 26-year-old Blackpool defender is being considered by Rangers as well. He made 42 appearances for the Seasiders last term and previously spent time with Forest Green Rovers. With the quality left foot of his, Tilt can add a different dynamic to the Gers backline. He is one of the ball-playing defensive options who can be fielded from wide positions as well.
Ipswich Town have already tabled a bid in the region of £600,000 but Rangers can offer more as seen by their cause for the Cooper trade.
John Guthrie
He plies his trade for Walsall FC and is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract. Guthrie has spent the majority of his career in the League One but can be a decent alternative option to Cooper.
Harry Davis
Born in Burnley, the Grimsby Town defender is capable of providing cover from almost anywhere at the back. A player like him could be a very good addition for the Rangers backline.
