Former Reading defender Jake Cooper has admitted that he is 'really sad' to see the state of his hometown club.

Bracknell-born Cooper rose through the ranks from a young age and made over 50 appearances before departing for Millwall in 2017.

Deemed surplus to requirements by then-boss Jaap Stam, the commanding centre-back has played over 300 times for the Lions in seven years of competitive Championship action at the Den.

Still keeping a keen eye on all things Royals, not least because nephew Louie Holzman is still making his way through the youth system, Cooper is 'saddened' by the off-field saga.

The club have been hit with three years of points deductions, five years of transfer embargoes and fell to their lowest finish for over 30 years last season.

Talking to Sportsboom.com, Cooper commented: "It’s really sad to see what’s going on with the club. My nephew is in the academy there and it has been a tough watch over the last year or so.

"We’re hopeful that there’s a buyer from what I’m reading and hopefully, the club can get some stability and start moving back forwards towards the big club that it is.

"Hopefully, they can swiftly move onto a new owner and get this time at the club swept under the carpet as quickly as possible."