90Min claim that Crystal Palace and Manchester United are in talks over a move for Jack Butland this month – but Manchester United also asked about re-signing Sam Johnstone from Patrick Vieira’s side, as well as Butland.
Butland, 29, has managed just 17 appearances for Palace since joining the London club in the summer of 2020. His contract is due to expire at the end of the 2022-23 – but a loan deal is now expected for the England international.
It comes after Martin Dubravka was allowed to see his loan deal cancelled and return to Newcastle this month. The Slovakia ace managed just two appearances as back-up goalkeeper – failing to play in the Europa League for United.
Manchester United approached Palace for Butland – but 90Min claim they asked about their old goalkeeper, Johnstone, too. Palace rejected any chance of Johnstone leaving – but are willing to wave goodbye to Butland this month.
Manchester United also asked about re-signing Johnstone from Palace
Johnstone joined Palace in the summer from West Brom on a free. But the England goalkeeper has failed to break his way past Vicente Guaita, managing only two appearances for Vieira’s men. He might have been tempted with a move.
But ultimately, Johnstone would have been in the exact same position at United as he is at Palace. Possibly, even worse given David De Gea is far ahead of Johnstone – than Guaita is. Johnstone has a better chance of playing at Palace.
Butland finds himself as Palace’s third option in goal. He needs a move and going to United sees him become the second stopper, behind De Gea. So, it is a good move for Butland – but it would have been a bad one for Johnstone.
It is unclear if Butland’s imminent move will be a loan move, a loan with an option or simply a permanent deal. Whichever move, it is likely that Butland will not set United back a huge amount in terms of cash.
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