As Rangers’ built up to their second leg Round of 16 Europa League clash with Benfica, there was a story developing around England hopeful Jack Butland.
In resurgent form at Rangers, the 31-year-old stopper was firmly back in the Three Lions discussion ahead of a monumental return to the England set up before Euro 2024.
Jack Butland had also put in some heroics in Portugal as Rangers earned a spirited first leg 2-2 draw and hopes of a legendary trip to the Final in Dublin began to build.
But alas – in a cruel 24 hours for the Rangers goalkeeper – Butland missed out on the England call before the bus to Dublin broke down before it had even got out of Glasgow.
It was a perspective altering day for the goalkeeper – and perhaps for Rangers – as murmurs of Premier League transfer interest persist heading into the summer.
John Bennett’s Rangers transfer promise
Upon the publishing of the club’s financial accounts, the message from Rangers chairman John Bennett was direct and honest.
Whilst a small operating profit masked issues with some of the club’s overheads, player trading has to be improved if Rangers are to consistently progress as a football club.
At this point, the club’s fans are pretty much tired of hearing about the so-called player trading model and would rather see it more effectively put into action.
As part of that, Rangers must be more aggressive in the transfer market and if there is legitimate interest in Jack Butland then it’s something the Ibrox side will have to look at.
Similarly to the case of James Tavernier – who is a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia – Rangers have to weight up earning potential against contribution/re-investment and Jack Butland is one of the club’s major assets.
For the goalkeeper too, the last week has proven that an England call-up might just be out-of-reach whilst he’s plying his trade at Rangers.
How much do Rangers value Jack Butland?
The question then becomes, what is a reasonable amount of money for Rangers to expect to recoup for Jack Butland?
Given his age – and the fact the club have the goalkeeper on a four-year contract – Rangers are in a position of strength with the keeper.
But with Premier League clubs boasting sizeable wealth and a plethora of other options in the market, there is only so much that sway can hold up.
We reckon that if a bid north of £10m comes in – with the upper end being closer to £15m – then Rangers will have to seriously consider it.
With Robby McCrorie waiting in the wings to finally step into the Rangers number one jersey, it might represent shrewd business.
It will also prove that John Bennett and co are serious about having a bigger impact on the transfer market.
