Rangers were looking to bring Jake Cooper to Ibrox over the summer.
Rangers may have lost 1-0 to Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals on Sunday, but they have been thriving under Steven Gerrard this season, mostly thanks to a productive summer transfer window.
The Gers added tried and tested veterans in Kyle Lafferty, Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield, as well as Liverpool duo Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Kent on loan, and Osijek pair Borna Barisic and Eros Grezda.
Gerrard also brought in four centre backs; Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic arrived for around £5million combined, whilst Joe Worrall joined on loan from Nottingham Forest and Gareth McAuley came in on a free transfer.
Gerrard didn’t land one of his top targets though, as Rangers attempted to bring in Millwall defender Jake Cooper, with a £3million bid rejected according to the London Evening Standard as the Lions refused to sell.
Cooper has continued to be a regular in the heart of the Millwall defence, and he has been enjoying a stunning season in terms of his attacking output, as he is on course to beat last season’s record of four goals and three assists.
The giant centre back has notched two goals and five assists in just 15 appearances; for context, that’s four more assists than Wigan Athletic playmaker Josh Windass, who was sold by Rangers in August.
Cooper’s attacking output is simply outstanding, and shows that Rangers would have not only landed a strong defender, but also another attacking option from the back.
Rangers may well keep Cooper on their radar for 2019, with Worrall only on loan and McAuley out of contract at the end of the season, but his price tag will be rising and rising off the back of his displays.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
