According to reports coming out of the Netherlands a couple of weeks ago, Rangers were facing up to the prospect of a summer transfer battle with Celtic, the two Old Firm giants both casting their sights over FC Twente left-back Gijs Smal.
And while Smal is now expected to join Eredivisie champions Feyenoord instead, the fact that both clubs appear to be in the market for a new left-sided full-back throw up the potential for an intriguing subplot during the summer window.
But unless Rangers receive an offer they cannot refuse for Jack Butland – which admittedly cannot be ruled out entirely with clubs south of the border keen on the stand-out shot-stopper – it seems unlikely that Philippe Clement’s side will be joining their green-clad neighbours in pursuit of a new number one too.
Rangers do not need a goalkeeper as long as Jack Butland stays
Butland, 31 and arguably only now hitting his peak as a goalkeeper, could have the Rangers spot nailed down for years to come. The club from the blue side of Glasgow will not be knocking on Norwich City’s door while asking about Angus Gunn, then, 12 months after The Sun suggested that he was a target for a Gers side who eventually picked up Butland on a free instead.
But with Joe Hart retiring and with neither Benjamin Siegrist nor Scott Bain expected to take his place, what are the chances of Celtic pursuing a man who could yet start for Scotland at the upcoming European Championships?
Barry Ferguson, the legendary Ibrox skipper, can certainly envisage a world in which the former Rangers target ends up on Celtic’s radar.
Angus Gunn is ‘very good’
“(Angus Gunn) is a good shout. I didn’t think he had the best of games against the Netherlands but he’s certainly impressed me since coming into the international spot,” Ferguson tells Go Radio of a man who conceded four in Amsterdam but made one superb save to keep out Memphis Depay.
“He’s a good goalkeeper and he’s playing at a good level down there (at Norwich). But it will all depend if they do get into the play-offs and get into the Premier League. (If they do get promoted) there’s no way it’s going to cross his mind to leave Norwich.
“But if they don’t get promoted then I think it could be one that Celtic would certainly would look at. He’s a very good goalkeeper.”
Gunn was reportedly valued at £10 million by Norwich last summer. With just over 12 months remaining on his contract, however, The Canaries may be forced to consider offers in the seven digits should they fail to agree an extension.
Gunn could start again when Scotland play the Northern Ireland in a friendly tonight.
