January exit links between Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland and Nottingham Forest are officially dead as the Premier League side look towards Matz Sels.
The City Ground club had an approach for the Rangers number one turned down this week with Jack Butland viewed as a vital component of the club’s title challenge.
Undoubtedly the signing of the season in Scotland, the 30-year-old’s form since moving to Glasgow even has Jack Butland back in the England discussion.
It’s little wonder Rangers told Nottingham Forest where to go when that enquiry landed and now Nuno Espírito Santo and Ross Wilson have cast their gaze to France.
Nottingham Forest look at Jack Butland alternative
According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest are eyeing up a move for Matz Sels which could eventually be worth €7m (£6m).
The 31-year-old Belgian goalkeeper is currently plying his trade at Ligue 1 Strasbourg, where he is the club’s first choice stopper and captain.
This comes after Nottingham Forest added Borussia Dortmund playmaker Giovanni Reyna to their side, the American familiar to Rangers fans due to links with ex player/manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
With Nottingham Forest also linked to Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, the move will effectively end speculation surrounding Jack Butland.
Rangers goalkeeper currently indispensable
As Rangers knock back that Jack Butland transfer approach, it’s clear the club feel the goalkeeper is currently indispensable.
The stopper almost single handedly kept the club in a title race in the early part of the season and has been an authoritative member of the squad since joining.
Once again finding his love of the game after a run on Premier League benches, something tells us the stopper is in no rush to leave Ibrox.
Currently in the first year of a four year deal, it’s clear Rangers value the stopper and perhaps the chance to cash in will come down the line.
But for now Rangers supporters are just enjoying the goalkeeper whilst he’s here, with a big second half of the season ahead.
