Rangers close in on deal to sign Liam Kelly from Motherwell as two to leave Ibrox
Liam Kelly will be a “very good” back up to Jack Butland at Rangers as he closes in on becoming Philippe Clement’s next summer signing, according to Derek Ferguson.
The Motherwell keeper looks set to join on a free transfer to follow Jefte and Oscar Cortes as new signings at Ibrox, with Rangers Review reporting on 24 May that the 28-year-old was poised to return on a three-year deal to the club where he started his career as a youth, and The Scotsman classified the move as “very likely” on 4 June.
With veteran Jon McLaughlin already confirmed as leaving when his own contract expires and second choice Robby McCrorie needing to play having rejected a new deal amid interest from Aberdeen [Daily Record, 4 June] Ferguson expects the move to bring Kelly back is to replace the pair rather than because star man Butland could go.
“I think McCrorie and McLaughlin”, he exclusively told Ibrox News, “McLaughlin’s getting on a bit in age so you need to go and play first-team football, you don’t want to be sitting and playing second fiddle.
“McCrorie again, he’s what, 25, 26? He’s not had enough first-team football in my opinion so again he’s got to get out and play first-team football.
“Liam Kelly’s a good goalkeeper, he’s already been at Rangers. Listen, I’ve watched him often enough at Motherwell.
“He’d be a good back up for Butland and I think that’s what he will be.
“He might be coming because he’s getting on a wee bit and it might be earning a little bit more money. We’ll not hold that against anybody because it is a short career.
“Yeah I think he’d be a very good back up for Jack Butland if he was to pick up an injury.”
Liam Kelly to back up Jack Butland at Rangers as Robby McCrorie exits?
If the Light Blues can keep hold of ex-England international Butland and replace want-away McCrorie with Kelly then it would give Clement a strong pair of proven options in goal.
The Fir Park man has extensive experience in the Scottish Premiership, as well as a decent run in the English Championship for QPR previously.
And on a free transfer he is a bargain pick-up when Rangers have to stretch their budget to make signings in multiple positions, and if McCrorie generates a fee on top it looks like a win-win at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, an exit-bound Ibrox ace has been mooted to get a new deal on special terms.
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.