Liam Kelly transfer twist emerges at Rangers in new Sky Sports update
Rangers are in talks to sign Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly on a free transfer this summer but rumours of a deal being agreed are “premature”, according to Sky Sports.
Kelly’s current contract at Motherwell expires at the end of May and looks likely to make a return to the club where his career began, but Rangers could be forced to wait in their bid to complete the signing.
Philippe Clement’s squad is set for a massive overhaul this summer, with Kelly likely to fill the void left by departing goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin as backup to first-choice stopper Jack Butland.
28-year-old Kelly is hopeful of being selected in Scotland’s squad for Euro 2024, and this could delay the bid to make him part of their squad next season.
Rangers made to wait for ideal Butland back-up
Rangers are by no means short of goalkeepers in their current squad, with Robby McCrorie and Kieran Wright both in place behind Butland regardless of McLaughlin’s impending departure.
Butland quickly emerged as one of the form keepers in the Scottish Premiership almost immediately after he arrived at Ibrox last summer, and ended the season with the most clean sheets and the Golden Glove award.
The Gers also have promising youngster Mason Munn coming through their academy ranks, but Clement’s desire to make the experienced Kelly part of his plans suggests he wants all bases covered in the upcoming transfer window.
Kelly will likely become the immediate second-choice to Butland, potentially casting the futures of McCrorie and Wright into doubt. Both are out of contract themselves in 2025.
He failed to make a single first-team appearance for Rangers in the earliest stages of his career, but after being an ever-present for Motherwell over the past three seasons, Kelly will be hoping to challenge Butland for the number-one jersey if and when he makes his return to Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, personal terms have been agreed for a new transfer.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.