Rangers red tape emerges in quest to sign Premier League player

Rangers face complications from both Manchester United and Crystal Palace in their quest to sign Jack Butland this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The Daily Record recently reported (2 May) that Butland, 30, was in advanced talks to sign for Rangers this summer, with the goalkeeper available on a free transfer.

However, the Daily Mail has shared that a deal for the Manchester United loanee, who joined parent club Crystal Palace in 2020, could now be hampered by red tape with a deal too expensive.

“They [Rangers] have discussed a move for Crystal Palace keeper Jack Butland, who is on loan at Manchester United, but that is still too expensive for their budget,” they wrote.

“United have also yet to make a decision on whether to offer Butland a deal for next season with Palace holding an option on the 30-year-old’s contract.”

Oh dear

The transfer window hasn’t even opened yet, and Rangers are already on the back foot for their number one goalkeeping target.

On a free transfer, the loanee looks like a great piece of business and a player who should be able to cope with the intense pressure of putting on a Gers top and playing in Old Firm matches.

However, with both the Eagles and Manchester United yet to come to a decision on Butland’s future, it remains to be seen whether Michael Beale will get his man.

From a Crystal Palace point of view, Roy Hodgson currently has both Vicent Guaita and Sam Johnstone at his disposal at Selhurst Park, so it is very unlikely that they will require Butland’s services next term.

However, the major stumbling block could be what Manchester United decide upon with the former England international.

With the takeover of the club up in the air and David de Gea’s future no clearer, the club’s goalkeeping reserves are scarce right now.

Hopefully, both Premier League clubs will allow Rangers to get this deal over the line and start off the transfer window in successful style for Beale.

In other Rangers news, Scott Allan has raved about one Ibrox ace against Aberdeen on BBC Sportscene.