Jack Butland could be closer to Rangers exit as ‘gentleman’s agreement’ emerges in Europe
Jack Butland’s time at Ibrox could be about to end after Rangers entered the race for FK Radnicki Kragujevac goalkeeper Stojan Lekovic, according to Fussball Europe.
The German outlet reported that the Gers and Aberdeen are interested in signing the 22-year-old shot-stopper, and if either is successful, it could have implications for Butland’s future in light blue.
Butland has been Philippe Clement’s number-one pick between the sticks, but his strong form has resulted in transfer interest and recent reports suggested that he wants a return to England next season.
A “gentleman’s agreement” is said to be in place between the stopper and the FK Kragujevac board, entailing that if a six-figure fee is tabled for the Serbian, his transfer will be given the green light.
Jack Butland set to quit Rangers for new transfer?
The goalkeeping market has been an active one for the Gers so far this summer, with Motherwell’s Liam Kelly widely expected to arrive on a free transfer, but the potential departure of Butland would leave Clement with a huge hole to fill.
If Aberdeen end up beating the Gers to Lekovic’s signature, they’ll have no need to bring in Robby McCrorie from Ibrox, leaving the reportedly wantaway 26-year-old stuck behind Butland (for the time being) in the pecking order.
However, if the Serbian heads to Glasgow instead, that will not only free up McCrorie to make his anticipated move to Pittodrie but will also call Butland’s immediate future into question.
The former England goalkeeper’s form has been so good this season that he’s come close to an international recall, and the club are reportedly bracing themselves for bids from south of the border if the 30-year-old makes clear his desire to leave.
Therefore, the arrival of Lekovic at Ibrox could both accommodate for the departure of Butland and facilitate the same for McCrorie, suggesting that wherever the goalkeeper ends up this summer could have huge ramifications for both of the clubs vying to sign him.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are currently in negotiations for “six or seven” players at Ibrox this summer
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