Rangers: Ally McCoist moots Newcastle United transfer for Jack Butland as ‘100%’ Ibrox exit verdict emerges
Ally McCoist worries clubs will want to sign Jack Butland from Rangers in the summer, mooting a potential approach by Newcastle United in the January transfer window.
Butland, 30, has been in superb form for the Light Blues this season, slotting seamlessly into the number one spot left vacancy by Allan McGregor at the start of the summer.
He’s arguably been the best signing the club has made this year but McCoist’s only worry now is that rich Premier League clubs will want him in the summer.
With Nick Pope injured, McCoist worries Newcastle could be in for Butland next month.
“I want him on one of those Chelsea contracts, an eight-year job,” said McCoist on Viaplay on Sunday (17 December, 02:31pm). “Get him a Todd Boehly contract, that’ll do for me.
“He’s been sensational, make no mistake about it.”
When asked if other clubs will be watching Butland ahead of a potential transfer, McCoist said: “Oh, 100 per cent. Just look at what’s happening down the road [at Celtic] and, oh the irony, at Manchester United. Onana’s having one or two struggles. Nick Pope is injured at Newcastle. These guys with the finances they have will look to strengthen.
“I hope it doesn’t happen but he’s been absolutely top-class. He really has.”
Newcastle are a concern
It wouldn’t shock us if Newcastle do have a look at Butland in the January transfer window.
Pope has been ruled out for four months due to a dislocated shoulder [Sky Sports] he sustained earlier in December.
After keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Manchester United, Newcastle conceded three to Everton and four to Tottenham without the England international in goals.
Clearly they’re going to struggle without Pope, who’s going to miss a good chunk of the season now.
Butland has been incredible at Ibrox and it’s mad to think that Crystal Palace let him go for nothing and that Manchester United didn’t see value in their former loanee.
But their loss is our gain and if someone does come in for him in January, we’ll have to be very persistent in fending off bids.
Butland may be interested in the move back to England if there’s a chance of him getting into the England squad at the 2024 Euros.
He’s unlikely to be able to do that if he’s playing in Scotland.
In other Rangers news, Hugh Keevins has blasted Scott Brown for pandering to conspiracy theorists about the Gers.