Speculation over the weekend seemed to suggest that Rangers had identified Berke Ozer as the top target to fill the possible hole that is being left by Allan McGregor in the senior squad, however, there could yet be a move for a considerably more experienced stopper.
Jack Butland has been mentioned a few times now and, writing on his Patreon site, journalist Alan Nixon, reckons that we are still interested, even if an offer has not yet been made:
“Birmingham City are making a surprise loan move for Crystal Palace keeper Jack Butland – one of their favourite sons.
“Butland wants first-team football and his chances are reducing at Palace where they have lined up Sam Johnstone on a free transfer. Blues hope to strike a deal and persuade Butland that a drop back to the Championship will give him the action he wants.
“Bournemouth and Rangers have also taken an interest in Butland but are yet to make a concrete offer.”
Ironically, Crystal Palace’s determination to land another Gers target, Sam Johnstone, could be the reason that Butland has to look elsewhere after seeing his playing time considerably reduced since joining from Stoke City – his fall from one time England international and a possible replacement for Joe Hart seems like a long time ago.
The biggest difference between Ozer and Butland is that the latter would obviously be signed to challenge, immediately, for the number one jersey whereas the Turkey youth international would probably be behind Robby McCrorie in the immediate pecking order.
I’d be happy going into next season with what we have, McCrorie can be trusted to be a back-up and Jon McLaughlin has never put a foot wrong in a Rangers jersey, stability is an often underrated quality in a goalkeeper – Ross Wilson doesn’t need to rush into anything in a position where it is more important to get the right decision rather than a quick one.