Rangers boss Philippe Clement warned Jack Butland sale could be on
Keith Jackson has warned it could be “bad news” for Philippe Clement as Rangers may cash in on Jack Butland if his hefty valuation is met.
Butland was named the Gers’ Player of the Season last week after a superb debut campaign at Ibrox following his arrival as a free agent.
Rangers will undoubtedly want to keep hold of the Englishman, but Jackson says their hand may be forced if an eight-figure offer is tabled.
Writing in his column for the Daily Record [2 May], Jackson said: “[Clement will] be hoping, it goes without saying, of holding onto No.1 Jack Butland.
“The big man is a keeper all right, in every conceivable manner. The trouble is, Butland’s return to top form at Ibrox has not gone unnoticed south of the border where he made a name for himself in the first place.
“Clubs all across England’s top division are well aware of his true market value and if just one of them decides to put a price on it this summer then the men in charge of the Rangers bank balance might find it impossible to resist.
“An offer anywhere north of £10m for a player who joined for nothing less than 12 months ago would represent great business in the boardroom but bad news for Clement who would then have to have an unwanted chat with head of recruitment Nils Koppen about sourcing a capable replacement.”
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland could attract transfer interest
It would come as a huge surprise if Butland is not on the radar of English Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window.
The 31-year-old really has been superb this season and has been one of the finest signings in Rangers’ recent history given he arrived for free.
Rangers must stand firm if an offer – or offers – comes in for Butland as he is key to Philippe Clement’s plans at Ibrox.
However, if one of those bids is in the region of £10million, it would understandably be incredibly difficult for Gers chiefs to say no.
It is all about a balancing act when it comes to transfers, and bringing in a sum like that would help the Light Blues strengthen all over.
And in truth, a team south of the border offering that amount is not exactly far fetched. Let’s just hope this is not a decision that needs to be pondered.
In other Rangers news, a ticket announcement this week will see more than 14,000 Gers fans facing disappointment.
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