Rangers have been linked with a lot of options to replace Allan McGregor over the last two seasons but one now stands out above them all – Jack Butland.
With the league all but gone, Robby McCrorie should be given a second chance over a longer period so we can properly assess him, however, a new number one still remains a priority.
Several names have been mentioned with finances proving challenging to match the needs of players like Sam Johnstone and the inflated transfer fees in England also don’t help.
Angus Gunn, Scotland’s new number one, emerged as a potential target recently, however, a £10million valuation is an issue and such a huge outlay suggests that deal is dead before it even gets going.
Why is Jack Butland the answer for Rangers to replace Allan McGregor?
Recruitment is never black and white.
The debate of whether or not it is better to sign a cheaper option who is stylistically closer to the profile a club wants or sign a better individual who may not match the characteristics is one that is especially relevant to a goalkeeper.
Jack Butland is capable of playing with the ball at his feet – he wouldn’t have nine England caps if he didn’t – but it isn’t his strong point.
What he is though; is hugely experienced, an outstanding shot stopper and available on a free transfer, saving money that can be allocated elsewhere.
Butland would be on decent wages but it’s a key position and the 30-year old would be expected to start almost every game, as we have seen with McGregor and Jon McLaughlin, he still has a long time left at the top too.
In a window where the risks taken and gambles made need to be kept to a minimum, signing a player of Butland’s quality to kick us off would be a more than promising start to our summer transfer business.
