Millwall FC: Any Zian Flemming and Jake Cooper transfer advances must be snubbed | OneFootball

Millwall must not entertain transfer advances for either Zian Flemming or Jake Cooper

Millwall are on the up again following a largely turbulent campaign last time out thanks to manager Neil Harris, who guided the Lions to a 13th place finish after returning to the Den in February - despite the fact that the club found themselves in a relegation battle for long periods of the season.

Under the stewardship of Harris, the Lions came close to landing a 2017/18 Championship play-off spot, finishing in eighth place and only three points behind the top-six, just one season after being promoted from League One.

Former manager Gary Rowett also endured two play-off near misses with the Den outfit in 2019/20 and 2022/23 respectively, and supporters will be hoping to see a serious top-six challenge once more next season.

Harris has proven in the past that he is capable of delivering success for the Lions at Championship level, but in order for this to be possible once more, the club must not entertain any transfer advances for two of their key players.

Zian Flemming

Zian Flemming enjoyed a thoroughly decent season last term, producing a return of seven goals and five assists in the Championship, as well as a further goal and assist in the FA Cup.

But it was during the 2022/23 campaign, which was his first in English football after joining from Dutch side Fortuna Sittard, where the attacking midfielder really showed his class as he scored on 15 occasions, which he complemented with three assists.

Flemming will want to reach his 2022/23 figures once more next season, and if he does so, the Lions will have a real second tier star on their hands who they must keep at the club this summer.

The South London Press & Mercury revealed back in May that Premier League new boys Ipswich Town are among the sides interested in the Dutchman's services, as Kieran McKenna's men look to retain their top-flight status.

But the Lions must have their own aspirations in mind when it comes to Flemming and keep him at the Den at all costs if they would like to make a play-off push.

Jake Cooper

Millwall's Jake Cooper is arguably one of the finest centre-backs the Championship has on offer and has plied his trade for the Lions since joining from Reading in 2017.

Cooper once again displayed his quality last season, as he was near ever-present for his side in the second tier, making 44 appearances while also showcasing his admirable defensive abilities.

The 29-year-old won 253 duels last season as well as 203 aerial duels, while he also made 58 interceptions, according to FotMob.

Furthermore, Cooper committed 56 fouls during the 2023/24 campaign, the fewest out of any Championship centre-half last term, as per FotMob.

The Lions had a solid defence last season, conceding 55 goals, which was fewer than promoted duo Ipswich and Southampton, as well as play-off semi-finalists Norwich City, largely thanks to the efforts of Cooper.

Last summer, Scottish Premiership giants Rangers made a move for the centre-back, according to Football Insider, but the Lions were successfully able to stave off such high-profile transfer interest in their man, and it is vital for their top-six credentials next season that Harris' men do so again, in the event that transfer advances for their key man resurface.