Cooper, second from right, scores for Reading, who value the defender at £5million

West Ham United and Stoke City are competing to sign Jake Cooper, the England Under-19 centre back valued by Reading at £5 million. The 20-year-old was at the Sky Bet Championship club’s academy. Stoke are some way from agreeing a fee for Giannelli Imbula, 23, the Porto midfielder.

Norwich City have made a renewed attempt to sign Patrick Bamford, the Chelsea striker, on loan. Bamford ended his loan spell with Crystal Palace last month.

Alexandre Lacazette has indicated that he is not interested in a move to Newcastle United, who have made an approach but not a new offer to Lyons for the striker. Newcastle have made informal contact to sign Bafétimbi Gomis, the striker who will be allowed to leave Swansea City and