'Brilliant News' - Pundit reacts as Rangers may keep best player after 'Crazy' situation

Rangers being able to potentially keep hold of Jack Butland for the long term has been branded “brilliant news” by Derek Ferguson.

There has long been speculation that the former Crystal Palace man might leave this summer in a big-money deal, after Nottingham Forest attempted to buy him in January [Sun, 24 February].

But according to journalist Alan Nixon on 28 May there is currently no interest from the English top flight.

The star keeper was the “best player” at Ibrox last season for the majority of the campaign, despite his error late in the Scottish Cup final in what Ferguson feels was a “crazy” development.

So he’s delighted at the prospect that Butland, 31, might be remaining in Glasgow under Philippe Clement through the transfer window.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News he said: “It’s crazy isn’t it? Probably his one mistake of the season in a game that was poor to say the least. 

“Probably the first shot that he’d really had to deal with and I think he’s tried to anticipate where the ball’s going and gone a little bit early.

“It’s a shame because he’s been our best player this season but that tells you everything about Rangers that Jack Butland’s been our best player. 

“Whenever he’s been asked to come up with the goods he’s produced, and it’s so unfortunate that.

“But in the long term, if we’re going to have Jack Butland between the sticks that is brilliant news for me.

“Because he’s a leader in that dressing room, and this is what I think the manager’s trying to bring in.

“He’s trying to bring in the right type of player, the right type of mentality.

“He fits the bill. I just think he’s top drawer. We all make mistakes, it’s just unfortunate that one or two of the boys couldn’t get him out of jail in terms of clearing that [against Celtic], but that’s life.”

Jack Butland could stay at Rangers as Robby McCrorie leaves

There is going to be movement at goalkeeper for Rangers this summer one way or another, with Robby McCrorie rejecting a new contract [Daily Record, 4 June] and likely to be sold, while Liam Kelly looks set to return as his replacement.

Bidding for Butland is reported to start at a minimum of £10million [Rangers Review, 4 June] so could fund multiple incoming deals if he was sold, but it would be very difficult to find a like-for-like replacement without spending a large chunk of that money either way.

So, whether the error against Celtic has had an effect or not, it would keep an important piece in the Gers side for the manager to build around if he stays.

In other Rangers news, a five-year contract offer has been tabled to a player the Light Blues want.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post 'Brilliant News' - Pundit reacts as Rangers may keep best player after 'Crazy' situation appeared first on Ibrox News.