With Rangers manager Steven Gerrard still on the hunt for a centre-back, we take a look at what to expect from Jake Cooper – the Millwall defender at the top of Gerrard’s list of targets according to STV.
The Ibrox side have already let Bruno Alves and David Bates leave the club since the end of last season. Fabio Cardoso has also failed to impress Gerrard in his early stages as manager.
Gerrard has already delved into the transfer market for defenders this summer, adding Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson to his ranks from Slaven Belupo and Brighton respectively. Both have impressed, but Gerrard wants competition for places and reportedly sees Cooper as the ideal man for the job.
Cooper signed permanently for Millwall just last summer, after spending the previous six months on loan at the club. He helped guide them to promotion to the Championship through the League One play-offs during his loan stint.
The stalwart played a mammoth 43 times for the Lions last season, and has already represented England at under-18, 19, and 20 age levels. The centre-back has built a reputation at Millwall for being versatile, and that is a trait that could suit Rangers with a lack of options across the back four still evident.
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Despite the additions, the Rangers back-line has still looked shaky on occasion despite impressing overall. Cooper would bring strong experience and a winning mentality to the squad after his promotion success down south however; something Rangers have strongly lacked in recent years.
This would provide Rangers with good variation at the back and much needed strength in depth. Supporters have cried out in the past for players with the correct mentality, and Cooper appears to fit the bill.
The chances of getting the Millwall man however remain up in the air, with the club having already failed with a £3m bid just days ago. However, Cooper’s arrival would be a step closer to bringing that winning mentality back into the dressing room.