Gary Rowett: Transfer speculation was always going to have impact on Millwall duo

Gary Rowett reckons that transfer speculation surrounding some of his Millwall players was always going to be unsettling.

The Lions announced on Friday that centre-back Jake Cooper had signed a new contract.

Millwall have also rejected multiple bids from Burnley for Zian Flemming, a club record signing from Fortuna Sittard last summer.

Cooper was one of the leading performers as the South London club beat Stoke City 1-0 yesterday.

“He was immense,” said Rowett, when asked about the former Reading defender’s display.

“Whilst players don’t think it does, I think it does detract a little from their focus and performances. It’s impossible not to.

“There has been a lot of speculation this transfer window on the likes of Zian and Coops. You can’t stop that – three or four stories, however true they are. It was nice to put that to bed.

“It was important that a big player for us, in more ways than one, is now completely focused and hasn’t got anything else to think about other than putting big performances in.

“Z was better today as well. He looked a little more energetic and showed some nice moments  and nice touches. There is a lot more to come from him but he is another one that it would be nice for him to still be here when the window shuts.”