West Brom, Leeds United & Rangers target ‘cut-price transfer’ for Millwall star

West Brom are said to have entered the hotly-contested race to sign Millwall defender Jake Cooper, according to reports.

A report from Football Insider claims that the Baggies along with their Championship rivals Leeds United have joined Rangers in the chase to sign the 28-year-old. Cooper is entering the last-year of his contract, and there is a hope amongst the trio chasing him that they can sign him for a 'cut-price fee' according to the report.

Scottish Premier giants Rangers, who are one round off of the UEFA Champions League group stages, are said to have made contact with Millwall earlier this month over a possible deal for Cooper. The Gers have 'long-term interest' in Cooper, and are now hoping to act on it after bidding £3m for him in the summer of 2018. A new centre-back is on the top of Michael Beale's wishlist, and earlier this week he dismissed reports that Rangers held an interest in Bristol City's Zak Vyner.

As for Leeds' interest their namesake defender Liam Cooper is injured and will miss Friday night's clash with West Brom at Elland Road. The Whites are keen to bring in defensive reinforcements and a new centre-back is a priority for Daniel Farke. West Brom meanwhile are in the market for a new centre-back following Dara O'Shea's move to Burnley earlier in the transfer window.

In other news, transfer target Sory Kaba is of interest to La Lig outfit Las Palmas, but their manager Garcia Pimienta has dismissed reports that a deal has been finalised. Reports in Spain, most specifically La Provincia claimed a deal worth £1.7m had been 'completed' and that he would play his last game for FC Midtyjlland on Thursday, before linking up with his new club. It was reported by the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath that Birmingham City had a £2m offer for him accepted on Monday, but as to where his final destination is remains to be seen with a deal to any club still to be finalised.

“Yes, I like that profile,” Pimienta said of Kaba. “He has a contract with another club, a thousand things can happen and he is not for tomorrow. We are going to focus on what we have at the moment and as I said, we will reinforce the team with very specific players.

“We are not going to sign any striker because we need a striker. If he is not the striker we consider, Pau Ferrer will go up.”