Rangers to demand minimum £10m to sanction Jack Butland Ibrox exit
Rangers must demand a “minimum” sum of £10million if they are to consider selling Jack Butland, according to Tam McManus.
Speaking to Peter Martin and Scott Allan on the Football Show on PLZ Soccer [7 August], former Hibernian forward McManus also said that the only way the Gers could possibly part with Butland is if they could bring in a high-profile goalkeeper on a free as a replacement.
Celtic have been seen to be doing just that, as the retired Joe Hart made way for Kasper Schmeichel, but England international Butland remains the most “sellable” asset among Philippe Clement’s squad.
“It would need to be £10million plus [to sell Butland]. That fee as a minimum,” McManus explained.
“The only way [Rangers] do that is if they can bring in a Hart or Schmeichel type on a free – an older, experienced goalkeeper. They could do that and bank the money.”
Would Rangers cope without Jack Butland?
Rangers would not challenge for the Scottish Premiership title without an established goalkeeper like Butland.
The harsh reality is that were it not for the 31-year-old last season, the Light Blues would have finished even further behind Celtic.
The signing of Liam Kelly is important, granted, but it would be a huge drop-off from a player whose performances were absolutely immense at times.
Clement and the Gers hold a strong hand with Butland as the stopper has played just the first season of a four-year deal, and McManus’ comments echo those of Andy Halliday who recently also valued the Englishman at an eight-figure price.
There was, however, a nod from both McManus and Halliday that the Gers should consider an offer like that should it arrive, although a replacement of a similar calibre would be paramount.
In other Rangers news, the latest transfer stance on Champions League goalscorer Cyriel Dessers.
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