Carlton Palmer has tipped Leeds United to win the race to sign Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper if he becomes available in this window.
The former Leeds defender claimed the club would be favourites to secure Cooper’s signature, ahead of the likes of West Brom as they will be pushing for promotion this season.
Cooper has been linked with a move to both clubs this summer, although Millwall boss Gary Rowett has confirmed the club intends to extend his contract in the coming weeks [South London Press, 17 August] as they look to fend off interested clubs.
Speaking to Football League World on 17 August, the BBC pundit claimed: “He would fit in at either club, but I think Leeds would win the race for his signature if he was allowed to leave, on the basis that Leeds will be pushing for promotion added to the fact West Brom seem to be having all kinds of financial problems.”
Leeds should push to get this done
Despite Millwall’s apparent confidence of tying their main man down to a new contract, Leeds should push as hard as they can to convince Cooper to move to Elland Road. Sell him Daniel Farke’s project, sell him the prospect of promotion, and get the deal done.
Cooper would add some much-needed depth and experience of Championship football to Leeds’ back line. Despite the recent addition of Joe Rodon on loan from Tottenham, Leeds still need further depth as captain Liam Cooper is set to miss up to eight weeks with an ankle injury [The Athletic, 8 August].
The Millwall defender excels in aerial duels and likes a battle, which makes him the sort of combative defender Farke may like to pair with his more technically-proficient options. He is also capable of playing long passes out wide which could present a different option if they need to go route one.
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