‘Carl Rushworth to Rangers move collapses after Brighton refusal’
Carl Rushworth’s move to Rangers is “off as it stands” as Brighton are unwilling to sanction the goalkeeper’s move to Ibrox.
One of Russell Martin‘s main priorities this summer has been to fix the Bears’ goalkeeping issues.
Jack Butland was calamitous for Rangers last season in a campaign marred by errors, and ended when Liam Kelly replaced him between the sticks.
However, the Northern Irishman is unlikely to be seen as the long-term answer, despite putting in an inspired performance against Athletic Club in the Europa League.
Rangers have been busy in the transfer market already this summer, signing eight players, but it appears they will have to go back to the drawing board when it comes to finding a new number one.
Carl Rushworth move to Rangers falls through
Rangers had been pushing through a move to sign Rushworth, with plenty of other clubs interested in the young goalkeeper.
The 24-year-old has not made an appearance for Brighton, but impressed during loan spells with Hull City and Lincoln in recent seasons.
The shot-stopper has been capped once for England’s Under-21 side, but according to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, Rangers’ move for Rushworth is off as Brighton are unwilling to let the goalkeeper move to Ibrox.
Union Saint-Gilloise have made an offer for the youngster, but the Englishman is “not keen” on the move to Belgium, whilst Coventry are also showing “strong interest”.
Rangers must find new number one
Football Insider Verdict
Rangers’ number one priority is finding Martin a goalkeeper who can be a difference maker.
The Bears are in the best position they have been for some time to compete with Celtic for the Premiership title.
But without a reliable shot-stopper, they will invariably fall short of that goal. Butland has been a good player for the Bears over the years, but his performances last year highlighted just how important it is to have a good goalkeeper.
Aaron Ramsdale emerged as a surprise option for Rangers at the beginning of the summer, and following Rushworth’s failed transfer, a move for the former Arsenal man may become a priority.
For all his faults, the current Southampton shot-stopper would be a huge upgrade over Butland, and someone who it may be worth breaking the bank over if it is the difference between watching Celtic claim their fifth consecutive SPFL crown, or bringing the trophy back to Ibrox.