Rangers transfer news: BBC pundit issues verdict on Jake Cooper move amid Millwall contract talks
Carlton Palmer would be “very surprised” if Jake Cooper didn’t sign a new Millwall contract this summer and moved to Rangers.
The BBC pundit told Football League World (15 August) that the “solid” defender will be “hard to replace” at The Den if he were to leave, but expects him to extend his terms despite mooted interest from Ibrox.
Rangers continue to be linked to central defenders as the window nears the end amid regular injuries among the current options, with Bristol City’s Zak Vyner another English Championship target amid contract talks.
Palmer said: “Millwall are looking to push for a play-off place again this season. They’ve managed to keep their best players thus far with two weeks to go, which will have been their hope.
“Rangers are reportedly aiming to sign Jake Cooper, their solid centre-back, who is entering the final year of his contract. They have had interest in the player before, but Jake Cooper is apparently in talks to extend that contract. Will Millwall be desperate to do so? At 28, he’ll be hard to replace.
“Rangers have been long-term admirers of Jake, but I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t pen a new long-term contract at Millwall.”
Unlikely
It seems likely that Michael Beale would go for another centre-back before the deadline if the right conditions for a deal arise, and is likely running through potential options.
He may well have considered Cooper but the chances of a push before the Millwall man signs an extension looks a long shot.
John Souttar’s performance with Leon Balogun alongside in the 4-0 win over Livingston at the weekend was encouraging, and may have allayed some of the fears that sprung up after the opening day loss to Kilmarnock.
How the second leg of the Servette tie goes in Switzerland Tuesday night could have a key bearing on what the Gers boss decides to do before the window shuts.
If any of his current centre-backs were able to remain fit for a run of 15 or 20 games without being forced into a layoff it would certainly help them maintain some consistent form, and if two could at the same time it would allow a partnership to develop.
Should the deadline pass without another new man signed the current Rangers group is far from disastrous on paper, but the general feeling is that a final proven option would make things a lot more comfortable.
In other Rangers news, another seven-figure exit is on the cards after three clubs made contact to sign a current first-team squad member.