Sources: Rangers open preliminary Jack Butland talks - first summer signing close

Rangers have opened preliminary talks over signing on-loan Man United goalkeeper Jack Butland this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 30-year-old will become a free agent when his loan move from Crystal Palace expires in June.

It is believed that ex-Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson worked on the deal before his exit to Premier League Nottingham Forest earlier this month.

The Ibrox hierarchy, led by manager Michael Beale, is still pushing to seal a deal for Butland in the off-season.

There is now growing hope that the England international will become the Gers' first summer signing.

Sources with knowledge of Butland's situation have revealed that he would be "very keen" to play for Rangers next season after struggling for game time in recent years.

It is understood that the shot-stopper's parent club Crystal Palace will make no attempt to renew his contract when it expires in June.

Butland has failed to appear for Palace or Man United in the 2022-23 campaign.

He was drafted in by the Old Trafford club in January after goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle.

Despite his lack of action this term, Butland has racked up 291 career club appearances - as well as amassing nine England caps.

The 30-year-old could come into Rangers to replace long-serving shot-stopper Allan McGregor, who is expected to retire at the end of the season.

A move for Butland would follow in the footsteps of Old Firm rivals Celtic, who moved to add 75-cap England goalkeeper Joe Hart to their ranks in 2021.

Rangers trail the Hoops by 13 points atop the Scottish Premiership, with the Parkhead club now one win away from clinching back-to-back titles.

The fierce rivals face off in the Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday (30 April).

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