Jack Butland exit: Rangers to seek January transfer after what star has done
Philippe Clement will know exactly how thin the Rangers ice is as he continues to skate around Ibrox.
The Belgian has been under immense pressure for months, only recently relieved by a run of decent form in all competitions, but fans have batted away the blinders already.
Following a controversial defeat to Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish Cup final, the Gers scraped past a poor Dundee side at Ibrox, thanks to a single goal from Vaclav Cerny.
The performances that have followed are nothing short of destructive.
Firstly, losing 2-1 to St Mirren before, secondly, needing a spectacular second-half display from Hamza Igamane to rescue a point at Fir Park against Motherwell on Sunday 29 December.
Something that both of those games had in common – Jack Butland’s massively concerning drop in form between the sticks.
He gave away an idiotic penalty in the 2-1 loss at the SMISA Stadium, only to double down on that with a performance that should have seen all three points thrown away against the Steelmen.
Rangers to seek Jack Butland transfer in January
Of course, the entire squad has struggled to perform under the guidance of Clement. However, Butland’s drop in form has been far more noticeable, and arguably, far more concerning.
Last season, he was one of the players of the season in the Scottish Premiership, with his form transferring to the Europa League too, earning himself links with moves back to the Premier League.
Newly promoted side Ipswich Town’s links to the shot-stopper were disputed [Ben Jacobs], but many felt that the Light Blues should let him go if a £10million bid were to arrive.
With the goalkeeper now showing far too many errors, costing goals and penalties, Clement might be wondering why the club did not push for an exit last summer.
Liam Kelly remains on the bench, but with just one appearance for the Gers since returning to Ibrox in June, it could be that another goalkeeper is needed before Butland is found a new home.
In other Rangers news, Mike Dean reacted live on air as a controversial moment emerged in the 2-2 draw v Motherwell.
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