Jack Butland to Manchester United details explained as Crystal Palace closes in loan deal

Jack Butland will be a Manchester United goalkeeper later today and the England-capped goalkeeper plans to become a mainstay of the United team. 

The 29-year-old is expected to sign on loan for six months, but with his current deal with Crystal Palace running out in the summer he could then make the move permanent.  Butland was the actually first choice option for Erik ten Hag as back up to De Gea but misfortune struck in the pre-season in Melbourne Australia where he broke his finger.

That opened the door for Martin Dubravka who had lost his spot to Nick Pope at Newcastle United to take the option.  Now it appears that he is destined to go to United after Martin Dubravka being recalled to his parent club and Erik ten Hag reverting to his initial choice.

Butland would add to the English quota at the club.  For Palace, it’s a chance to trim down the squad having signed another English international, Sam Johnstone, in the summer to challenge Vicente Guaita for the starting slot.

The club will receive a fee for the loan and save on his wages as they look to bring in another midfielder in this winter. 

Butland is managed by Triple S agency, which will try to get the goalkeeper a long-term deal, giving him a chance to compete for the number one spot when De Gea finally moves on, or to build a career as an understudy getting run-outs in domestic cup competitions. 

Further loan deals that could shape the season at Selhurst

There is no hiding from the fact Crystal Palace need midfielders if they are to avoid a late relegation scuffle. Last season the success of the campaign was built on midfielders Cheikhou Kouyaté, James McArthur and Conor Gallagher. 

Only McArthur is still at the club and even he has been battling injuries, with no timeline for his return. Palace need legs, creativity and drive from midfield but at this moment the club is looking for loan deals that make sense as they can’t afford to go out and splash the cash. 

There is still a feeling around the club that Conor Gallgher or Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be available in the summer for another loan. But until then they’re looking to send Malcolm Ebiowei out on loan, freeing up space. 

The good news is that Crystal Palace are two points better off this season than they were last season so there is a ray of sunshine.