Jack Butland transfer bids expected but hope remains Rangers keeper will stay at Ibrox
Derek Ferguson is holding out hope that Rangers can keep hold of Jack Butland this summer in the face of expected bids to sign him.
The ex-Ibrox midfielder has been extremely impressed with the “inspirational” English keeper and believes the only downside for him on an individual basis is his recent snub by the international set-up.
Nottingham Forest had a bid rejected in January, by both player and club [Scottish Sun, 25 February], and while Ferguson thinks it will be no surprise for more offers to follow in the summer, with as much as £20million potentially on offer, he still believes an exit is not a foregone conclusion.
He exclusively told Ibrox News: “The only downside for him, and this is from a personal point of view when you look at how well he’s done, is he’s not got into that England side.
“When you look at some of the keepers there, I’m not saying they’re bad keepers, they’re absolutely not, but I think Butland’s right up there, and I think it’d be a mistake not to take him to the Euros.
“But in terms of clubs coming in for him I’m not surprised, and that’s down to how he is, not just on the park but off it, he’s one of the more inspirational players in that dressing room. You need big characters and he’s certainly one of them.
“So if he does go he would go with our blessings and good will but I have my fingers crossed that we have Jack Butland at our football club next season.”
Rangers star could remain under Philippe Clement through transfer window?
Much will depend on Butland’s own perspective as Philippe Clement and Rangers are sure to want the 31-year-old to stay in Glasgow if possible.
The England disappointment is potentially a large factor that could draw him back to the Premier League, with Gareth Southgate placing great significance on playing in the English top flight.
But after the ex-Crystal Palace man was overlooked for the most recent international break despite being watched by Three Lions staff for the Gers, Sam Johnstone, Butland’s nominal replacement at Selhurst Park, has been ruled out of the Euros with injury.
So if the Ibrox star gets a call-up while he’s still a Rangers player perhaps he might decide he is better off staying where he is.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are expected to take a financial hit on a transfer which suits all involved.
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