Allan McGregor’s replacement has big boots to fill and Jack Butland looks like being the man for Rangers.
The 30-year old stopper had potential options at both Crystal Palace and Manchester United but Ibrox appears to be his next destination.
According to Alan Nixon of The Sun, Crystal Palace decided against triggering a one-year extension on Jack Butland’s contract and Man Utd are looking elsewhere to allow him to move to Rangers for free.
Not only has Michael Beale landed on his feet in the short term but Nixon also claims, via his Patreon site, that Butland has been the top target to replace hall of famer McGregor for over a year:
“Rangers have been keen on Butland for a year but have only pressed on with a deal in recent weeks.
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“Their initial interest faded when Allan McGregor returned to their plans and made the number one position his own. But his belated exit left them in need of an experienced replacement.”
Jack Butland to Rangers a year in the making
It always felt as if Allan McGregor was getting to decide whether or not his Rangers career would continue instead of a more ruthless decision being taken.
After 55 there was a steady decline and it continued into this season.
Even the greats can’t beat Father Time.
Jack Butland, who Fabrizio Romano has claimed is close to sealing a move to Ibrox, will be on big money for Rangers but, as a former England number one, he should be one of our top earners.
McGregor will be a big miss in the changing room but Butland will bring experience and a presence that is needed for such a key position.
Nixon’s revelation that Butland has been a long term target is reassuring too.
The recruitment team has singled him out as the best available man to be the new number one.
Spending money is never a guarantee of success, just ask Celtic who have lost £4.5m on Vassilias Barkas after one disastrous season in goals.
Butland might be short of game time recently but, when the season kicks off, he will bring the presence that McGregor used to have.