According to the latest reports in the Express, Rangers are set to revive their interest in Millwall defender Jake Cooper. The report also adds that the Gers sent their scouting chief Andy Scoulding to the New Den to watch the centre back in action against Bolton Wanderers last month.
Steven Gerrard tried his luck in the summer window and made several bids for the English centre-back. Reportedly the highest bid went as high as £3m, but the Lions kept hold of their star centre back. After a high flying last season, Millwall are currently struggling and sit third from the bottom in the Championship table at the moment.
The same report confirms that the defender has a release clause in his contract if the Lions go down to the English third tier. Gerrard definitely seems to be keen on the English defender and Millwall might consider cashing in on him in January. However, it is likely that they would try to hold on to him until the end of the season given that he is the leading man at the back for his side.
Cooper has even played a massive role for his side on the attacking front as he has one goal and six assists to his name in 20 Championship games this season. The 23-year-old stands at 6ft5inches and would be a massive threat while attacking set pieces if the Gers land him in the future. Gerrard is reportedly willing to wait for his signature, and that is the right decision as the Gers have cover in the defensive department for the time being.
Joe Worrall is just on a season-long loan spell and Gareth McAuley has been signed on a short-term basis. Therefore a centre back would be required by the club in the next summer. We believe Cooper will be a solid addition at the back for the Bears as he seems to have all the qualities to succeed in the Scottish Premiership.
His team might be struggling at the moment in the Championship, but last season they punched above their weight and finished 8th having being promoted to the second tier that same season only.
One thing Gerrard has been constant with is the fact that he has brought in defenders who seem to have strong character and mentality and shows strong leadership qualities on the pitch. Cooper is also in a similar mould and even though he is 23, he is the leader at the back for his current side.
It remains to be seen how high the Gers would push their bid after £3m was rejected in the summer. The fact that he is a left-footed centre-back makes him even more perfect for Gerrard’s needs as they have been after (Daily Record) a left sided centre-back since the summer.
