Rangers are going into the summer with a sense of anticipation, rather than disappointment, despite the problems on the pitch this season.
There is a lengthy list to look forward to: a new Rangers manager, the 49ers Enterprises takeover, Kevin Thelwell’s appointment as sporting director, as well as much-needed turnover of players.
There are several areas that need attention in the squad with the Premier League’s released list providing possible options that Thelwell will be fully aware of.
With Jack Butland’s ability to be consistent now being questioned, are there any budget Bosman’s that Rangers could take advantage of?
Out of contract goalkeepers Rangers could target in the Premier League
Out of the players being released, most of them can be safely bracketed as being in the “veteran” stage of their careers.
Previously linked, Everton’s Asmir Begovic will be well known to Thelwell and few are as experienced as the 63-cap Bosnia international.
At 37-years old, he would have to have the sort of Indian summer that Allan McGregor had in his twilight years to justify signing him.
As a back-up he might make sense, however, Rangers already have Liam Kelly and one of the academies brightest prospects in Mason Munn waiting in the wings.
Despite being 40, Lukasz Fabianski has still been a regular for West Ham United in recent years.
Hugely experienced, the 57-times capped Poland international would be a safe pair of hands.
If he doesn’t hang his gloves up, like Begovic, he wouldn’t be a long-term option.
A like for like replacement for Jack Butland?
The closest like-for-like replacement for Butland would be Danny Ward, who is leaving Leicester City after seven years – a £12m fee having been paid to Liverpool for his services.
Capped 44-times by Wales, Ward would be a steady, if unspectacular signing should Rangers decide to cash in on Butland.
Is he any better than Butland or Kelly though? Probably not.
There are other names on the list like Tom Heaton, John Ruddy and Robin Olsen, all very similar in terms of age and profile, but as with the names above, none of them make any real sense for a variety of reasons.
If Rangers want a new goalkeeper, they will have to pay for them.
