Jack Butland appears happy at Rangers but a fee in the region of £15-£20million may lead to a summer sale as “money talks”, according to Derek Ferguson.
The goalkeeper has been in sensational form since arriving on a free transfer at Ibrox last summer, keeping 17 clean sheets in 27 league matches – 63 per cent of games (transfermarkt).
Butland, 30, has impressed so much in Glasgow that there has been talk that Gareth Southgate could hand him an England recall to challenge number one Jordan Pickford at Euro 2024 this summer.
Former Rangers man Ferguson thinks that is fully justified and hopes that Butland’s affinity with the Ibrox crowd might make him reject any summer advances, with Nottingham Forest having been linked with a move late in the previous transfer window (STV, 31 January).
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Ferguson said: “First of all, it’s not a shock if he was recalled to that England squad because he’s been absolutely magnificent since he came up here, on and off the park.
“Touching on what the manager said, he’s a real asset to that dressing room and a real influence to the players.
“Is it (rumours of an exit) a worry? Of course, it is because, like most of the Rangers fans, I love Jack Butland, love everything about him.
“He’s a top, top goalkeeper, but it’s the person as well. He’s pretty grounded, has no arrogance whatsoever, he just gets down and gets on with the job. He’s well respected in that dressing and around the club.
“It would take a right few bob to lure him away. I don’t know his circumstances, he’s been at top clubs, and probably earned a few bob.
“Sometimes money talks but he looks happy where he is at the moment. For Rangers to let him go I think it would take £15-£20million.
“I think that’s what it would take for Rangers to even think about letting Butland go. He’s been one of the main pluses and main factors behind Rangers’ success this season.”
Will Jack Butland leave Rangers this summer?
The real question really should be: Why would Jack Butland leave Rangers this summer?
Think about it, his form has already caught the eye of England boss Gareth Southgate, he’s already won one trophy this season and could still win three others.
Moreover, next season he could be playing in the Champions League, something that no other England goalkeeper is going to be doing.
Money does talk and a huge offer might force Rangers’ hand. But from Butland’s point of view it would make absolutely no sense to return south of the border at this juncture.
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