Jack Butland moves one step closer to Rangers exit after agreement - verdict
Rangers could possibly end their commitment with Jack Butland ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
The 33-year-old has been the Gers' number one for the most part since arriving in 2023, but there have been concerns about his form from a large section of the fanbase.
While there's no doubt the shot-stopper has put in some impressive performances for the Light Blues, his inconsistency and poor distribution are used against his continuity in G51.
Liam Kelly's contract extension at Ibrox has opened the door for Butland's potential exit in the summer, with the Govan side surely no longer afraid about their goalkeeping situation going into next season.
Since the Scottish shot-stopper's future has been secured at the Glaswegian outfit, signing a new number one may be on the cards as they don't have to worry about the backup option.
Kelly has shown he can be a reliable option for Danny Rohl when needed and any fear of the consequences of failing to adequately replace Butland should be minimised.
Liam Kelly part of Rangers future
Kelly has signed a two-year contract extension at the Gers, with his previous deal expiring after the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
The 30-year-old returned to his boyhood club in summer of 2024 and has since made 16 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues.
Towards the end of Barry Ferguson's interim spell in charge of the Glaswegian outfit, Kelly took the number one spot from Butland, who lost his place in the starting lineup after some poor performances.
The Auchehowie graduate is part of Stev Clarke's 26-man World Cup squad as Scotland are set to end their 28-year absence from the major FIFA tournament, which begins on 11 June.
Jack Butland transfer U-turn possible at Ibrox
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 8 June that Rangers may be determined to keep Butland due to the other areas of concern that need to be addressed in the squad.
With Kelly's situation resolved, the recruitment team at Ibrox have one less thing to worry about.
The former Man United shot-stopper has one year left on his contract at the Govan side and now feels like the right time for the Gers to cash in on him if they have doubts about his status in G51.