Russell Martin’s stance on selling Jack Butland revealed after Rangers latest
Russell Martin has made a decision about the future of Jack Butland at Rangers following his arrival as their new manager.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke has revealed what sources have told him about the newly-appointed boss’ summer transfer plans at Ibrox.
Butland, 32, dropped out of the starting XI for a spell under Barry Ferguson, but Martin is keen to keep him at the club if he can prove his worth in pre-season.
After a number of inconsistent performances throughout what was a disappointing season, Rangers fans called for Butland to be sold following previous interest.
Last summer, Football Insider revealed Rangers had set a huge valuation for Butland, around £30million, in an attempt to ward off suitors.
Sources say the new boss is now keen to give him a chance to impress and finding a replacement goalkeeper is not currently on the agenda at Ibrox.
Rangers backed to keep Jack Butland after Martin decision
Butland has been a key player for Rangers since his arrival in 2023, but it has now been suggested his time at Ibrox may be coming to an end.
He made 28 league appearances last season, with Ferguson’s axe leading to suggestions Butland may never play for Rangers again as Liam Kelly stepped into the side.
O’Rourke has explained that this will be a big summer for the former England goalkeeper, but there is no immediate pressure to sell and Martin plans to keep him at Ibrox.
“It’s a big summer for Jack Butland,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s a clean slate for all of the players at Ibrox right now under a new manager, and Butland will be doing everything he can to impress Russell Martin.
“Obviously, he lost his place at the back end of last season to Liam Kelly for a number of games after a dip in form, there’s no getting away from that.
“Rangers, ideally, would like to keep Jack Butland.
“He’ll be looking to become a key man in the side under Russell Martin as well.
“He’s under contract until 2027 so there’s no immediate pressure or need to sell.
“Rangers fans and Russell Martin will be hoping Butland can find the form again which made him such a huge figure in the team when he first arrived.
“It’s a big summer ahead of Butland, and he’ll be doing everything he can to impress the manager.”
Nicolas Raskin update emerges after ‘£20m’ twist
Butland is not the only player being linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer, as speculation continues surrounding Nicolas Raskin’s future.
Football Insider revealed on 13 June that Rangers would accept £20million offers for Raskin as they aim to make a “huge” profit from his sale.
European giants Porto, Marseille and Fiorentina have recently joined the race to sign the midfielder and could be prepared to test the Glasgow club’s resolve.
This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Raskin is wanted by multiple Premier League clubs should he leave Rangers.
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