Jack Butland may be headed for Rangers exit in January, Philippe Clement could face fan backlash at Ibrox
Rangers could face the prospect of losing Jack Butland in the January transfer window with a Birmingham City onslaught on the cards.
The Sun reported on 14 October that Championship outfit Birmingham City want to make the Ibrox shot-stopper star their first signing under Wayne Rooney following his impressive performances this season after his summer move.
However, The Scotsman reported on 19 October that Butland would only be sold if Rangers received an “over-inflated offer” for him with the Englishman one of the “most valuable” members of the team.
It’s expected that Butland will remain a key player under new boss Philippe Clement and the club’s no.1 goalkeeper but that may not stop Birmingham from pulling their punches.
Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack reported on 14 October that Clement may not have the required funds to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window, but that chairman John Bennett will do all he can to make sure funds are available.
And should the worst happen in that case, a Butland sale could well be on the cards at Ibrox.
Daily Record journalist Scott Burns, writing in his article on 19 October mooted that should an offer arrive that the Light Blues cannot refuse, it will allow Clement the chance to perform “major surgery” on his squad.
Also, BBC pundit Carlton Palmer speaking to Football League World (20 October) believes that a “big offer” from Birmingham, one that “would force Rangers’ hand” may be the only way they sign the English goalkeeper, but given the path the club want to go down under their new American investors, a big-money move for him won’t be far from their remit.
And they could also offer a very tempting offer.
Butland has indeed been arguably Rangers’ best signing so far this campaign with some stellar and decisive performance in between the Ibrox sticks and swift interest in his services are of no surprise.
However, the Gers will certainly not want to lose him so quickly with his qualities, mentality and character within the dressing room becoming a vital ingredient should Clement aim to finally turn them into serious title contenders.
No club would want to lose such a crucial performer but unfortunately, every player has his price, especially players at Rangers given the club’s financial need in terms of player recruitment.
Certainly, Rangers will benefit from a healthy profit should Birmingham come in with a stunning offer in January but more crucially, Clement will want to add to his squad in January and there are doubts over whether he’ll be able to do so.
However, Rangers certainly have big ambitions of their own and Butland is a major part of that at Ibrox.
Most Light Blues will feel no amount of money will be enough to stem the tide at Ibrox should the Englishman leave.
If Clement and the club are forced to sell the experienced goalkeeper during the January transfer window, they could well face some huge backlash from the Rangers support. Keep him at all costs.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have suffered yet another damaging injury blow ahead of some crucial upcoming games both domestically and in Europe.