Rangers face Jack Butland transfer threat as English bids for Ibrox star expected
English clubs are likely to test Rangers by trying to sign Jack Butland in the summer transfer window, according to Charlie Adam.
The former Ibrox midfielder told the Scottish Sun, via Football Scotland (13 March), that the Light Blues were “lucky” to have the “incredible” goalkeeper at the club and backed him to be in the England squad for Euro 2024.
But with positive performances comes the negative side for the club as it is tipped to bring increasing transfer interest in seeking to take him back to English football.
Adam said: “Jack has been incredible. Rangers are lucky to have a top, top goalkeeper like that. The reward for him now would be to get into this England squad. I don’t see why he shouldn’t be there. His performances this year would dictate he should have the opportunity. I know how much playing for England means to him.
“He’s been sensational since he came into Rangers. You’ve got to look at the consistent level he’s playing at and the European performances too. Gareth has worked with him before as well. He knows what kind of person he’s getting.
“Jack knows the goalkeeping coach there too. That will hopefully give him a wee bit more of a strong influence for the next camp coming up. Of course, you want Rangers to hold on to him. In the summer, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some English clubs coming for him.
“What he’s done so far is brilliant for Rangers but you can’t control what’s on the outside. However, there’s a title race on at the moment and that’s something Jack will be relishing.”
Jack Butland plays his way back into England contention in Rangers revival
There is sure to be interest in the 31-year-old this summer, and if he makes it back into the England squad that would make it all the more likely.
Nottingham Forest already tried to take him back south in January but their approach was rejected by both the player [Scottish Sun, 25 February] and the Light Blues [Scottish Sun, 30 January].
The summer is a different situation to midway through his first season at a new club but the response to the interest from the City Ground seemed emphatic enough that there might be some confidence in keeping him at Ibrox.
It would surely take significant money to change that either way so if he does go after one impressive season at Rangers it should at least be after at least one trophy win and with a sizeable profit in the bank.
Butland almost conceded a goal after being caught in possession inside his own six-yard box during the 2-0 win over Hibs, but for the most part he’s been extremely reliable, and that game came just three days after he played a huge role in securing a first-leg draw away at Benfica.
The club will surely be gearing up to field offers for him in the coming months based on his performances so far, and if they aren’t, they should be.
In other Rangers news, a senior player has been invited to jet out and sign an Ibrox exit deal.
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