Carlton Palmer has predicted West Brom to lose out on Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper to Leeds United.
Speaking to Football League World (17 August), the former Baggies star claimed that West Brom’s lack of promotion hope and their “financial problems” makes the Yorkshire side more appealing to transfer targets.
Cooper has been on the radar of many clubs including Rangers, but a recent report from Football Insider (16 August) suggests the 28-year-old could swap the Den for either Elland Road or the Hawthorns.
Palmer said: “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.”
Levels
For a player already in the Championship, a move to a promotion-pushing side would always be more appealing than risking another season in the second division.
While West Brom are often there or there about in terms of the playoff spots, their recent history does not suggest promotion is a likely possibility. Leeds meanwhile, despite their rocky start to the season under Farke, are one of the favourites to go back up to the Premier League.
Cooper, who has been a regular for Millwall for the last five seasons in the Championship, may see his chances of playing in the top flight dwindling and want the chance to move to a club steadily on that trajectory.
West Brom aren’t that, right now. Palmer is correct in his assessment that Leeds are a better bet for promotion this season, while their financial difficulties have limited them to loans and free transfers.
One thing that the Baggies may want to address is their defence, so if a deal could be brokered for Cooper to join the Hawthorns then perhaps Carlos Corberan can sleep a little easier. West Brom, in their first three competitive fixtures of the season, have already conceded six goals, so recruitment is required.
