Jack Butland trains with Leeds-linked goalkeeper after Rangers latest
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland has linked up with a former team-mate who could soon join another club owned by 49ers Enterprises.
Leeds United and Rangers‘ futures officially became intertwined on 30 May as the 49ers Enterprises completed their takeover at Ibrox, adding the Light Blues to a small stable of clubs which includes Leeds.
Although no feeder club arrangement has been put in place between two of British football’s biggest and most historic institutions, the cross-over of boardroom officials will see Rangers and Leeds grow closer.
Both clubs have sizeable summer projects on their hands as Leeds prepare for their return to the Premier League and Rangers look to close the gap on Celtic, but it remains to be seen how this impacts transfers.
Sam Johnstone trains with Butland amid Leeds transfer links
Football Insider reported back in April that Leeds’ two overwhelming priorities in the summer transfer window were to sign a new centre-forward and goalkeeper, even if they had missed out on promotion.
Several Premier League-proven options have been linked with moves to Elland Road, but Wolves number two Sam Johnstone has emerged as arguably the most viable of those choices for Daniel Farke’s side.
Football Insider revealed last month that Johnstone is “ready” to swap Molineux for West Yorkshire this summer, and the 32-year-old has joined up with Rangers star Butland for a summer training camp.
Butland posted on his Instagram story (17 June) from Almancil, Portugal, tagging his ex-Crystal Palace team-mate Johnstone alongside former players Neil Cutler and Jon Whitney.
Leeds likely to aim higher than Sam Johnstone
Former Leeds keeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider in May that an “upgrade” on Illan Meslier is desperately needed at Elland Road this summer, but Johnstone’s lack of game-time could hinder him.
The Whites are more likely to take a punt on Aaron Ramsdale after Southampton’s relegation, and Johnstone’s mere 10 appearances in all competitions last season suggests that Leeds will aim higher.
Wolves are one of the teams Farke needs to beat if his side are to stand any chance of survival next term, and though signing Johnstone would arguably weaken them, expect United to look elsewhere for a new number one.