Jack Butland is about to seal a move to Premier League giants Manchester United just seven months after emerging as a summer transfer target for Rangers, Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag tells the Manchester Evening News.
Re-called by parent club Newcastle after just three largely unimpressive performances in Man United colours, Martin Dubravka won’t be remembered with too much fondness in the north west, the Slovakian’s fumbling display in the EFL Cup victory over Burnley raising heart rates for all the wrong reasons at Old Trafford.
But Dubravka, while wholly disappointing, still needs replacing; his departure creating a gap in the United squad which must be plugged.
Butland, capped nine times by England, saw a potential move to Rangers last summer collapse due to a broken finger he picked up in pre-season (Alan Nixon). Talk about a sliding doors moment.
Seven months on, the 29-year-old is about to seal a move to one of the biggest clubs in European football. Albeit in a back-seat capacity.
Manchester United are signing Jack Butland as Martin Dubravka returns to Newcastle
“Martin was recalled. And we need three experienced goalkeepers,” Ten Hag explains, confirming Man United’s interest in one-time Leeds loanee Butland. “We have so many games, so you need three good goalies in training.
“But also, when problems are coming, you need experience in goal to get your goals, what you are aiming for.”
Butland, alongside Tom Heaton, will provide back-up for the in-form David de Gea at Old Trafford.
“I’m really happy with David. It’s quite clear, he’s our number one,” Ten Hag adds. “He’s a really good performer. But what I say is there’s always something that can happen with David. And you have to be prepared for that.”
Butland has just six months remaining on his contract at Crystal Palace. According to The Athletic, he was due to undergo a medical with Man United on Thursday.
Rangers, meanwhile, will likely dip into the market for a goalkeeper of their own sooner rather than later. Allan McGregor turns 41 this month. And second choice Jon McLaughlin has featured just once in the Premiership since September’s calamitous display in a 4-0 Old Firm derby drubbing by Celtic.
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