Rangers could make a surprise move for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland this summer, and Joe Hart is a big fan. Celtic goalkeeper Hart once said Rangers target Butland “has a massive future at the top”, back in 2012.
Butland, 29, is currently playing back-up to Vicente Guaita at Crystal Palace. Despite early hopes that the England international would go on to become a top-quality Champions League goalkeeper, his career has stuttered.
Spending more than nine years at Stoke, the ex-Birmingham City man left after playing in the Championship. Butland joined Palace, but has played just 17 times in the last two years. He is now in the final year of his deal.
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He needs a move to a club where he is first choice and Rangers might just offer him that. Reports state that Butland will be targeted if McGregor does decide to go. Big shoes to fill, for the 6ft 5in goalkeeper if he moves to Ibrox.
But one that he has the capability of filling, according to Celtic man Hart. Back in 2012, Hart told the Mail: “He’s a great prospect but he just needs to play now. He’s got a massive future at the top. He is a great young keeper.”
Celtic goalkeeper Hart a fan of Butland amid Rangers move
Butland might actually have to copy Hart somewhat. The veteran goalkeeper moved north of the border to get his career back on track, and certainly has done with a league title in his first season.
The 75-time England man has been sensational for Celtic, one of Ange Postecoglou’s best signings. But his career has stalled since being shunned by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Like Butland, he lacked game time.
Spells at West Ham, Torino, Burnley, and then Tottenham all failed. Butland is in a similar spell in his career – and he might look at Hart as a beacon of hope to get things back on track. It seems like a good fit, if McGregor goes.
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