Crystal Palace man in ‘contact’ over exit with contract up in the summer

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland reportedly remains in contact with Rangers over a potential switch to Ibrox this summer. However, the stopper remains too expensive for the Scottish Premiership side at this stage.

As detailed in a report by the Daily Mail, the Gers have ‘maintained contact’ with the 30-year-old. He is due to return to Selhurst Park at the end of this season when his loan at Manchester United expires but it remains to be seen whether he will be staying put or leaving.

Crystal Palace gave him the green light to head out the exit door on a temporary basis when the Red Devils came calling in the January transfer window. He has since been used as back-up at Old Trafford and hasn’t made an appearance under Erik ten Hag.

Butland, who has been capped nine times by England, signed for the Eagles in October 2020 and has since played 17 times. He is down the pecking order with the London club behind Vicente Guaita and Sam Johnstone and his contract is also up at the end of the campaign meaning he is currently due to become a free agent.

The Bristol-born man started his career at Birmingham City and rose up through the youth ranks of the Blues before going on to play 46 games for their first-team. Stoke City then snapped him up and he eight years with the Potters, some of which he spent out on loan at Barnsley, Leeds United and Derby County.

Crystal Palace have a decision to make regarding Butland’s situation with most signs pointing towards a departure. He would be a decent option for Rangers as he is experienced and has played at the top level. His demands will need to be lowered though if he is to make a move up to Glasgow.