Aston Villa are plotting to sign Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper during the summer transfer window, as reported by Football Insider.

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This prospective move comes despite the fact they are willing to let James Chester leave for free when his contract comes to an end at this season's culmination, as reported by the same outlet.

The transfer link with the 25-year-old has been seen as seriously underwhelming by Villa fans, with manager Dean Smith and his men currently embroiled in a relegation battle.

One fan has referred to this as "pathetic", while another has suggested that he would be "a Smith signing".

The defender has started 34 Championship games this season, scoring one goal, showing that he is an important part of the Millwall team.

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Though this still doesn't encourage supporters, with one adding that Villa are going to need bigger signings than Cooper if they are to persuade Jack Grealish to stay - even if they do manage to stay up.

Supporters also feel that this is a sign of the club giving up on their Premier League status, saying they are "planning for the Championship".

His statistics in the league are not necessarily that impressive, as he makes 0.6 tackles per game, but is dribbled past 0.4 times and commits 1 foul.

Aside from that, he makes 0.9 interceptions, 4.6 clearances and 0.7 blocks, but that is not enough to get fans even slightly excited about the prospect of signing him.

Meanwhile, Villa fans have been left fuming by Dean Smith's comment.