MILLWALL FC have made two bids to sign Reading FC defender Jake Cooper.

The Lions are reported to have tabled two offers for the 22-year-old centre back who helped Neil Harris' side win promotion to the Championship through the League One play-offs.

Ascot-born Cooper joined Millwall on loan in January until the end of the season after finding first-team opportunities limited under Royals boss Jaap Stam.

The ex-Forest School student played 18 times for the south London club who are now eager to sign him permanently.

The Reading Chronicle understands the bids that have been made are in the region of £500,000 as Cooper has only one year left on his contract with Reading.

Harris told the South London Press: “With Coops we have made two financial bids since the close season started.

“We are still in talks with Reading at the moment to try and secure Jake.

“He’s a player we highly admire and would like to get in but as with every young player with ability it is hard to prise him away from his current club.

“We’re very respectful of the fact he is Reading player.”

He added: “We need to strengthen the centre-half area. Things are just starting to slowly happen as people return from holidays.

“While we’d really like to get Jake we have to keep half an eye on other centre-halves who might be signing at other places.”

Reading Chronicle:

Jake Cooper competes with ex-Royals striker Simon Cox during his loan spell with Millwall. Photo: Southern News & Pictures.

It is thought Royals could be temped to sell Cooper as Liam Moore, Tiago Ilori, Tyler Blackett, Joey van den Berg and skipper Paul McShane can all play in central defence.

Stam, who is currently away on holiday, has also been told funds will be made available to bring in more new players in the transfer window.

Royals' boss is said to be tracking Celtic full-back Saidy Janko and has also been linked with Real Zaragoza striker Angel, who notched 21 goals in Spain's second tier last season.

But Stam could face a battle to keep hold of young midfielder Liam Kelly as well as former Leicester defender Moore.

Reports suggest Swansea City are eyeing up 21-year-old Kelly while fellow Premier League outfit Burnley are keen on 24-year-old Moore.

Meanwhile, Craig Tanner, 22, left Reading this week to sign a two-year deal with Motherwell.